How many valence electrons does a neutral potassium (K) atom have?

• A. 1
• B. 7
• C. 8
• D. 2

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is potassium (K).
2. Recall that the number of valence electrons corresponds to the electrons in the outermost shell of the atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of potassium (K), which has an atomic number of 19. The configuration is \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^1$.
4. From the electron configuration, identify the electrons in the outermost shell, which is the 4th shell (4s orbital) for potassium.
5. Count the valence electrons in the outermost shell; potassium has 1 electron in the 4s orbital, so it has 1 valence electron.