Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the valence electron configuration for a bromine (Br) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom possess?
A
6
B
4
C
8
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element in question, which is oxygen. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, meaning it has 8 electrons in total.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the electron configuration of oxygen: $1s^2\, 2s^2\, 2p^4$. The first shell (1s) is full with 2 electrons, and the second shell contains the remaining electrons.
Count the electrons in the outermost shell (the second shell), which includes the $2s^2$ and $2p^4$ electrons. Add these to find the total valence electrons.
Conclude that the number of valence electrons in oxygen is the sum of electrons in the $2s$ and $2p$ orbitals, which is 6.
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