How many valence electrons does the element neon (Ne) have?

• A. 2
• B. 8
• C. 0
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is neon (Ne). Neon is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table.
2. Recall that the number of valence electrons corresponds to the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of neon: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6$.
4. Recognize that the outermost shell for neon is the second shell, which contains the \$2s^2$ and \$2p^6$ electrons.
5. Add the electrons in the outermost shell: \(2\) (from \$2s\() + \(6\) (from \)2p$) = \(8\) valence electrons.