Multiple Choice
Which element has exactly 6 valence electrons and the lowest atomic mass among such elements?
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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 does a neutral atom of tungsten (W) have?
A
2
B
4
C
6
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of tungsten (W), which is 74, and write its electron configuration to understand the distribution of electrons in its shells and subshells.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number, n) and any electrons in partially filled d or f subshells that can participate in bonding.
Write the electron configuration of tungsten (W) using the Aufbau principle, filling orbitals in order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, etc., stopping at 74 electrons.
Identify the electrons in the outermost shell (n=6 and possibly n=5 d electrons) that count as valence electrons for tungsten, considering that transition metals often have valence electrons in both s and d orbitals of their outer shells.
Count the number of valence electrons from the identified orbitals to determine how many valence electrons a neutral tungsten atom has.
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