Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents the valence electron configuration for a lithium (Li) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does a neutral strontium (Sr) atom have?
A
2
B
4
C
6
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of strontium (Sr), which is 38. This tells us the total number of electrons in a neutral Sr atom.
Determine the electron configuration of Sr by filling orbitals in order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, etc., until all 38 electrons are placed.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost principal energy level (highest n value). For Sr, this corresponds to the electrons in the 5s orbital.
Count the number of electrons in the outermost shell (5s orbital) to find the valence electrons for Sr.
Conclude that the number of valence electrons in a neutral Sr atom is equal to the number of electrons in the 5s orbital.
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