Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?
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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
Which of the following is the number of valence electrons in a neutral oxygen atom?
A
8
B
6
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of oxygen, which is 8. This means a neutral oxygen atom has 8 protons and 8 electrons.
Determine the electron configuration of oxygen by filling the electron orbitals in order: 1s, 2s, 2p, etc.
Write the electron configuration for oxygen: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^4$.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell. For oxygen, the outermost shell is the second shell (n=2), which includes the 2s and 2p orbitals.
Count the electrons in the 2s and 2p orbitals: $2$ electrons in 2s plus $4$ electrons in 2p, totaling $6$ valence electrons.
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