Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does germanium (Ge) have?
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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 lithium (Li) atom?
A
2s^1
B
2p^1
C
1s^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 atomic number of lithium (Li), which is 3, meaning it has 3 electrons in total.
Write the electron configuration for lithium by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, etc.
Assign the first two electrons to the 1s orbital, giving 1s^2, and the third electron goes to the 2s orbital, giving 2s^1.
Identify the valence electron configuration as the electrons in the outermost shell, which for lithium is 2s^1.
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