Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does a sodium (Na) atom have?
A
2
B
1
C
8
D
0
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of sodium (Na), which is 11. This means a neutral sodium atom has 11 electrons.
Recall that electrons are arranged in energy levels (shells) around the nucleus. The first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, the second up to 8, and the third shell starts filling after that.
Determine the electron configuration of sodium: the first shell has 2 electrons, the second shell has 8 electrons, and the remaining 1 electron is in the third shell.
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. For sodium, the outermost shell is the third shell.
Count the electrons in the outermost shell (third shell) of sodium, which is 1. Therefore, sodium has 1 valence electron.
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