Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a magnesium atom have?
4
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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What is the significance of carbon having four valence electrons?
A
It makes carbon highly reactive and unable to form stable molecules.
B
It allows carbon to form up to four covalent bonds, enabling a wide variety of stable compounds.
C
It restricts carbon to forming only ionic bonds with other elements.
D
It causes carbon to have a full octet in its ground state.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and determine how the atom bonds with other atoms.
Recognize that carbon has four valence electrons, which means it can form up to four covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other atoms.
Know that forming four covalent bonds allows carbon to create a wide variety of stable molecules, including chains and rings, which is fundamental to organic chemistry.
Realize that this bonding versatility is why carbon is the backbone of many complex molecules essential for life, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
Note that the other options are incorrect because carbon does not typically form ionic bonds, it does not have a full octet in its ground state, and it is not highly reactive to the point of instability.
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