Multiple Choice
How many unpaired electrons are present in a ground-state boron (B) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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If an atom has 6 valence electrons, which element is it most likely to be?
A
Oxygen (O)
B
Sulfur (S)
C
Phosphorus (P)
D
Nitrogen (N)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the number of valence electrons corresponds to the group number for main-group elements in the periodic table. Elements in Group 16 (also called Group VIA) have 6 valence electrons.
Identify the elements listed in the options and determine their group numbers: Oxygen (O) is in Group 16, Sulfur (S) is in Group 16, Phosphorus (P) is in Group 15, and Nitrogen (N) is in Group 15.
Since both Oxygen and Sulfur have 6 valence electrons, consider their positions in the periodic table: Oxygen is in period 2, Sulfur is in period 3.
The problem asks which element is most likely to have 6 valence electrons, so both Oxygen and Sulfur fit this criterion, but Sulfur is often the answer when considering heavier elements with 6 valence electrons.
Conclude that the element with 6 valence electrons from the given options is most likely Sulfur (S), as it belongs to Group 16 and matches the valence electron count.
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