Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an atom of aluminum (Al) possess?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following is the correct number of valence electrons in the element gallium (Ga)?
A
5
B
1
C
7
D
3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of gallium (Ga), which is 31. This tells us the total number of electrons in a neutral atom of gallium.
Write the electron configuration of gallium to understand the distribution of electrons in its shells and subshells. The electron configuration is: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 3d^{10} 4s^2 4p^1$.
Determine the valence electrons by focusing on the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number). For gallium, the outermost shell is the 4th shell, which contains $4s^2$ and $4p^1$ electrons.
Count the electrons in the outermost shell: $2$ electrons in the $4s$ subshell plus $1$ electron in the $4p$ subshell, giving a total of $3$ valence electrons.
Conclude that gallium has 3 valence electrons, which corresponds to the correct answer.
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