Multiple Choice
Which region of the periodic table contains atoms with the greatest number of valence electrons?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many valence electrons are present in a neutral atom of oxygen?
A
2
B
6
C
4
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of oxygen, which is 8. This means a neutral oxygen atom has 8 electrons in total.
Recall that electrons are arranged in energy levels (shells) around the nucleus. The first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, and the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons.
Determine the electron configuration of oxygen: the first shell is filled with 2 electrons, and the remaining electrons go into the second shell.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell. For oxygen, the outermost shell is the second shell.
Count the number of electrons in the second shell, which gives the number of valence electrons for oxygen.
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