Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does fluorine have?
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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
The first electron shell of an atom can hold a maximum of two electrons. How does this explain the valence of hydrogen?
A
Hydrogen's first shell is already full, so it has a valence of 0.
B
Hydrogen has two electrons in its first shell, so its valence is 2.
C
Hydrogen has one electron in its first shell, so it needs one more electron to fill the shell, giving it a valence of 1.
D
Hydrogen can share up to two electrons, so its valence is 2.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the first electron shell (also called the K shell) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, which is the stable configuration for that shell.
Recognize that hydrogen has only 1 electron in its first shell, so it is not full and is therefore unstable or reactive.
The valence of an atom refers to the number of electrons it needs to gain, lose, or share to achieve a full outer shell and reach stability.
Since hydrogen has 1 electron and needs 1 more to fill its first shell, its valence is 1, meaning it tends to form one bond to complete its shell.
This explains why hydrogen commonly forms one covalent bond by sharing one electron with another atom to achieve a full shell of 2 electrons.
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