Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct number of valence electrons in a neutral cadmium (Cd) atom?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does aluminum (Al) have available for bonding?
A
2
B
3
C
5
D
1
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of aluminum (Al), which is 13. This tells us the total number of electrons in a neutral aluminum atom.
Write the electron configuration of aluminum to understand the distribution of electrons in its shells. The configuration is \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1$.
Determine the valence shell by looking at the highest principal quantum number (n) in the electron configuration. For aluminum, the valence shell is the third shell (n=3).
Count the electrons in the valence shell (3s and 3p orbitals). Aluminum has \$3s^2\( and \)3p^1$ electrons, totaling 3 valence electrons.
Conclude that aluminum has 3 valence electrons available for bonding, which are the electrons in the outermost shell.
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