Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does strontium (Sr) have?
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does a carbon (C) atom have?
A
2
B
6
C
8
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the electron configuration of carbon (C), which has an atomic number of 6. The configuration is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$.
Identify the outermost shell for carbon, which is the second shell (n=2), containing the $2s$ and $2p$ electrons.
Count the electrons in the outermost shell: there are 2 electrons in the $2s$ subshell and 2 electrons in the $2p$ subshell.
Sum these electrons to find the total number of valence electrons for carbon: $2 + 2 = 4$ valence electrons.
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