Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons are present in a neutral atom of sulfur (S)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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What is the valence electron configuration for the argon atom?
A
3s^2 3p^6
B
4s^2 3d^{10}
C
2s^2 2p^6
D
3s^2 3p^4
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost principal energy level (highest principal quantum number, n) of an atom.
Determine the electron configuration of argon (atomic number 18) by filling orbitals in order of increasing energy: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and 3p.
Write the full electron configuration for argon: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6$.
Identify the valence shell as the highest principal energy level, which is n=3 for argon, so the valence electrons are those in the $3s$ and $3p$ orbitals.
Therefore, the valence electron configuration for argon is $3s^2 3p^6$.
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