Textbook Question
An oxygen atom has eight protons.
(b) How many more electrons will it take to fill the outermost energy level?
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2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components
Atoms- Smallest Unit of Matter
2:57 minutesProblem 5
Textbook Question
The number and arrangement of electrons in an atom's outer energy level (valence shell) determine the atom's
(a) Atomic weight
(b) Atomic number
(c) Molecular weight
(d) Chemical properties
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the valence shell refers to the outermost energy level of an atom where electrons reside.
Recall that the atomic weight is related to the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus, not the electrons.
Recognize that the atomic number is the number of protons in the nucleus, which defines the element but is not directly about electron arrangement.
Know that molecular weight refers to the combined mass of atoms in a molecule, which is unrelated to electron arrangement in a single atom.
Conclude that the number and arrangement of electrons in the valence shell primarily determine the atom's chemical properties, as these electrons participate in chemical bonding and reactions.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2mKey Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost energy level of an atom. They play a key role in chemical bonding and reactions because they can be gained, lost, or shared with other atoms. The number and arrangement of these electrons influence how atoms interact with each other.
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Electron Transport Chain
Atomic Number
The atomic number is the number of protons in an atom's nucleus and defines the element. It determines the identity of the atom but does not directly describe the chemical behavior, which depends more on the valence electrons.
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07:43Atomic Properties
Chemical Properties
Chemical properties describe how an atom behaves during chemical reactions, including its reactivity and bonding tendencies. These properties are primarily determined by the number and arrangement of valence electrons, which influence how atoms combine to form molecules.
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01:56Chemical Reactions
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