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Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does the element neon (Ne) have?
A
6
B
8
C
10
D
2
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the element in question, which is neon (Ne). Neon is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the electron configuration of neon. Neon has an atomic number of 10, meaning it has 10 electrons. The electron configuration is $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6$.
Recognize that the outermost shell for neon is the second shell, which contains the $2s^2$ and $2p^6$ electrons.
Add the electrons in the outermost shell: $2$ (from $2s^2$) plus $6$ (from $2p^6$) equals $8$ valence electrons.