Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does lithium (Li) have available for bonding?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does the S^{2-} ion have? (Hint: Write out the electron configuration of S^{2-}.)
A
10
B
6
C
8
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of sulfur (S), which is 16. This means a neutral sulfur atom has 16 electrons.
Write the electron configuration for neutral sulfur: $1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^4$.
Since the ion is $S^{2-}$, it has gained 2 extra electrons, increasing the total number of electrons to 18.
Add the 2 extra electrons to the outermost shell (3p orbital), changing the electron configuration to $1s^2\ 2s^2\ 2p^6\ 3s^2\ 3p^6$.
Count the valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell (3s and 3p orbitals). Here, $3s^2\ 3p^6$ means there are 8 valence electrons.
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