Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does xenon (Xe) have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following is the correct number of valence electrons for selenium (Se)?
A
8
B
6
C
4
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the group number of selenium (Se) in the periodic table. Selenium is in group 16 (also known as group VIA).
Recall that elements in group 16 have 6 valence electrons because the group number corresponds to the number of valence electrons for main-group elements.
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which participate in chemical bonding.
Confirm that selenium's electron configuration ends with 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^4, where the 4s and 4p electrons are the valence electrons.
Count the valence electrons by adding the electrons in the 4s and 4p orbitals: 2 (from 4s) + 4 (from 4p) = 6 valence electrons.
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