Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons are present in a neutral atom of chlorine (Cl)?
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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 many s electrons are present in a neutral atom of phosphorus (atomic number 15)?
A
8
B
4
C
6
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of phosphorus, which is 15. This means a neutral phosphorus atom has 15 electrons.
Recall the order of filling electron orbitals according to the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and so on.
Determine how many electrons fill each s orbital: the 1s orbital can hold 2 electrons, the 2s orbital can hold 2 electrons, and the 3s orbital can hold 2 electrons.
Add the electrons in all the s orbitals up to phosphorus: 1s (2 electrons) + 2s (2 electrons) + 3s (2 electrons) = total s electrons.
Sum these values to find the total number of s electrons in a neutral phosphorus atom.
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