Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons do halogen elements have in their outermost shell?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following outer electron configurations would you expect to belong to a reactive metal?
A
ns^2 np^2
B
ns^2 np^5
C
ns^2 np^6
D
ns^1
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that reactive metals typically have 1 or 2 electrons in their outermost s orbital, which they can easily lose to form positive ions.
Analyze each given electron configuration to determine how many electrons are in the outermost s and p orbitals:
- $ns^2 np^2$: This corresponds to group 14 elements, which are not the most reactive metals.
- $ns^2 np^5$: This corresponds to halogens, which are reactive nonmetals, not metals.
- $ns^2 np^6$: This is a noble gas configuration, which is very stable and unreactive.
Recognize that the configuration $ns^1$ corresponds to alkali metals, which have a single electron in their outermost s orbital, making them highly reactive metals.
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