Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons are present in the polyatomic ion PO_3^{3-}?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following represents the valence electron configuration for a carbon atom?
A
2s^2 2p^2
B
2s^2 2p^4
C
1s^2 2p^2
D
1s^2 2s^2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number, n) of an atom.
Determine the electron configuration of a carbon atom, which has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 electrons in total.
Write the full electron configuration for carbon: 1s^2 2s^2 2p^2, where the first shell (n=1) is fully filled and the second shell (n=2) contains the valence electrons.
Identify the valence electrons as those in the 2s and 2p orbitals, since n=2 is the outermost shell for carbon.
Express the valence electron configuration by including only the electrons in the 2s and 2p orbitals: 2s^2 2p^2.
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