Multiple Choice
How many electrons do most atoms seek to obtain in their valence shell to achieve stability?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many valence electrons does silicon (Si) have?
A
8
B
6
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element silicon (Si) on the periodic table and note its atomic number, which is 14.
Determine the electron configuration of silicon. The full electron configuration is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^2$.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number). For silicon, this is the third shell (n=3).
Count the electrons in the 3s and 3p orbitals: $3s^2$ means 2 electrons and $3p^2$ means 2 electrons, totaling 4 valence electrons.
Conclude that silicon has 4 valence electrons based on the sum of electrons in its outermost shell.
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