Multiple Choice
Phosphorus has an atomic number of 15. How many valence electrons does a neutral phosphorus atom possess?
45
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
Struggling with General Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?
A
6
B
4
C
2
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element in question, which is oxygen. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, meaning it has 8 electrons in total.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the electron configuration of oxygen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^4$. The first shell (1s) has 2 electrons, and the second shell (2s and 2p) has 6 electrons.
Recognize that the outermost shell for oxygen is the second shell, which contains the \$2s^2\( and \)2p^4$ electrons, totaling 6 valence electrons.
Conclude that oxygen has 6 valence electrons because these are the electrons available for bonding in its outermost shell.
2:32mWatch next
Master Main Group Elements Valence Electrons with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Valence Electrons of Elements practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations