Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a nitrogen (N) atom have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following statements about oxygen is correct?
A
Oxygen is a nonmetal and has 8 valence electrons.
B
Oxygen is a metal and has 2 valence electrons.
C
Oxygen is a metal and has 6 valence electrons.
D
Oxygen is a nonmetal and has 6 valence electrons.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that oxygen is an element in Group 16 (also called Group VIA) of the periodic table, which is part of the p-block elements.
Identify the classification of oxygen: elements in this group are nonmetals, so oxygen is a nonmetal, not a metal.
Determine the number of valence electrons for oxygen by looking at its group number. Group 16 elements have 6 valence electrons because the valence electrons include the s and p electrons in the outermost shell.
Understand that oxygen's electron configuration ends in 2s\^2 2p\^4, which sums to 6 valence electrons in the second shell.
Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Oxygen is a nonmetal and has 6 valence electrons.'
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