Multiple Choice
How can you determine the number of covalent bonds that atoms of an element can typically form?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following elements can accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell?
A
Carbon (C)
B
Oxygen (O)
C
Phosphorus (P)
D
Nitrogen (N)
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to have eight electrons in their valence shell to achieve stability, but this rule mainly applies to elements in the second period of the periodic table.
Identify the period of each element: Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and Oxygen (O) are in the second period, while Phosphorus (P) is in the third period.
Understand that elements in the third period and beyond have access to d-orbitals, which allows them to expand their valence shell beyond eight electrons.
Recognize that Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen cannot accommodate more than eight electrons because they lack available d-orbitals in their valence shell.
Conclude that Phosphorus, being in the third period, can accommodate more than eight electrons in its valence shell by utilizing the 3d orbitals.
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