Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a neutral cobalt (Co) 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 iron (Fe) atom have in its ground state?
A
4
B
8
C
6
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that can participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the electron configuration of iron (Fe) in its ground state. Iron has an atomic number of 26, so it has 26 electrons.
Write the electron configuration for Fe: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^6$.
Identify the valence electrons by looking at the electrons in the outermost shell and the partially filled d subshell. For transition metals like Fe, valence electrons include the electrons in the 4s and 3d orbitals.
Count the valence electrons: 2 electrons in the 4s orbital plus 6 electrons in the 3d orbital, totaling 8 valence electrons.
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