Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains the importance of valence electrons in chemistry?
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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 electrons are present in the n = 3 shell of a neutral carbon atom?
A
4
B
0
C
6
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the electron configuration of a neutral carbon atom. Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has 6 electrons in total.
Recall that electrons fill atomic orbitals starting from the lowest energy level (n = 1) and move to higher levels following the Aufbau principle.
Determine how many electrons occupy each shell (energy level). The first shell (n = 1) can hold up to 2 electrons, and the second shell (n = 2) can hold up to 8 electrons.
Assign the 6 electrons of carbon to the shells starting from n = 1: 2 electrons fill the first shell, and the remaining 4 electrons go into the second shell.
Since all 6 electrons are distributed between the first and second shells, the third shell (n = 3) has 0 electrons in a neutral carbon atom.
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