Multiple Choice
Why is the configuration of electrons in an atom's outer shell important?
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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
An atom has an atomic number of 7. What is the most likely number of valence electrons for this atom?
A
2
B
7
C
1
D
5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element based on its atomic number. The atomic number 7 corresponds to the element nitrogen (N).
Recall that the atomic number tells you the number of protons, and for a neutral atom, it also equals the number of electrons.
Determine the electron configuration of nitrogen by filling the electron orbitals in order: 1s, 2s, 2p, etc.
Write the electron configuration for nitrogen: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number). For nitrogen, the outermost shell is the second shell, which contains $2s^2 2p^3$, totaling 5 valence electrons.
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