How many valence electrons does a neutral atom of beryllium (Be) have?

• A. 2
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 4

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is beryllium (Be).
2. Determine the atomic number of beryllium, which tells you the total number of electrons in a neutral atom. Beryllium has an atomic number of 4.
3. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
4. Write the electron configuration of beryllium: \$1s^2 2s^2$. The electrons in the second shell (2s) are the valence electrons.
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell (2s), which gives the number of valence electrons for beryllium.