Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a neutral neon (Ne) atom have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does an oxygen atom have?
A
6
B
4
C
8
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element in question, which is oxygen. Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, meaning it has 8 electrons in total.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the electron configuration of oxygen: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^4$. The first shell (1s) has 2 electrons, and the second shell (2s and 2p) has 6 electrons.
Recognize that the valence shell for oxygen is the second shell, which contains the $2s^2$ and $2p^4$ electrons, totaling 6 valence electrons.
Conclude that oxygen has 6 valence electrons because these are the electrons available for bonding in its outermost shell.
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