Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an atom of oxygen (O) have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a sulfur (S) atom have?
A
6
B
8
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group number of sulfur (S) in the periodic table. Sulfur is in group 16 (or VIA) of the periodic table.
Recall that the group number for main-group elements corresponds to the number of valence electrons for that element.
Since sulfur is in group 16, it has 6 valence electrons.
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Therefore, sulfur has 6 valence electrons, which explains its common bonding behavior in compounds.
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