Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does phosphorus (P) have?
4
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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
How many electron shells does a neutral carbon atom possess?
A
2
B
4
C
3
D
1
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the number of electron shells in an atom corresponds to the principal quantum number (n) of the highest energy level occupied by electrons.
Determine the atomic number of carbon, which is 6, meaning a neutral carbon atom has 6 electrons.
Fill the electron shells in order of increasing energy: the first shell (n=1) can hold up to 2 electrons, and the second shell (n=2) can hold up to 8 electrons.
Distribute the 6 electrons of carbon starting from the first shell: 2 electrons fill the first shell, and the remaining 4 electrons go into the second shell.
Conclude that since electrons occupy up to the second shell, a neutral carbon atom has 2 electron shells.
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