Multiple Choice
Where are valence electrons located in an atom?
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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 valence electrons does lithium (Li) have?
A
2
B
3
C
1
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of lithium (Li), which is 3. This means lithium has 3 electrons in total.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
Determine the electron configuration of lithium: 1s\^2 2s\^1. This shows 2 electrons in the first shell and 1 electron in the second shell.
Recognize that the outermost shell for lithium is the second shell, which contains only 1 electron.
Conclude that lithium has 1 valence electron because only the electrons in the outermost shell count as valence electrons.
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