Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a neutral atom of aluminum (Al) possess?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which method can be used to determine the number of valence electrons in an atom of a representative element?
A
By subtracting the atomic number from the mass number
B
By counting the total number of electrons in the atom
C
By looking at the period number of the element
D
By identifying the group number of the element in the periodic table (for Groups 1–2 and 13–18)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Recall that for representative elements (also called main-group elements), the group number in the periodic table corresponds to the number of valence electrons.
Note that Groups 1 and 2 have 1 and 2 valence electrons respectively, while Groups 13 to 18 have valence electrons equal to the group number minus 10 (e.g., Group 13 has 3 valence electrons).
Recognize that subtracting the atomic number from the mass number gives the number of neutrons, not valence electrons.
Understand that counting total electrons or looking at the period number does not directly give the number of valence electrons; the group number is the key indicator for representative elements.
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