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Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does gallium (Ga) have?
A
7
B
3
C
1
D
5
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the group number of gallium (Ga) in the periodic table. Gallium is in group 13 (or IIIA) of the periodic table.
Recall that the group number for main group elements corresponds to the number of valence electrons. For group 13 elements, the number of valence electrons is 3.
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Confirm the electron configuration of gallium: its atomic number is 31, and its electron configuration ends with 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^1, indicating 3 electrons in the outermost shell (4s^2 and 4p^1).
Conclude that gallium has 3 valence electrons based on its group number and electron configuration.