Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the outermost energy level of a hydrogen 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 can you determine the number of valence electrons in a main-group element using the periodic table?
A
By subtracting the atomic number from the mass number.
B
By looking at the period number, which gives the number of valence electrons.
C
By counting the total number of electrons in the atom.
D
By identifying the group number for the element; for main-group elements, the group number corresponds to the number of valence electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which are important for chemical bonding and reactivity.
Recognize that for main-group elements (those in groups 1, 2, and 13 through 18), the group number on the periodic table corresponds to the number of valence electrons.
Identify the group number of the element in the periodic table. For example, elements in group 1 have 1 valence electron, group 2 have 2 valence electrons, and groups 13 to 18 have valence electrons equal to the group number minus 10.
Note that the period number indicates the highest energy level (shell) that contains electrons, but it does not directly give the number of valence electrons.
Avoid incorrect methods such as subtracting atomic number from mass number or counting total electrons, as these do not provide the number of valence electrons.
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