Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons are available for bonding in silicon?
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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 a neutral cadmium (Cd) atom?
A
10
B
1
C
12
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Identify the atomic number of cadmium (Cd). Cadmium has an atomic number of 48, meaning it has 48 electrons in a neutral atom.
Step 2: Write the electron configuration of cadmium to determine the distribution of electrons in its shells and subshells. The electron configuration is: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^6 5s^2 4d^{10}$.
Step 3: Determine which electrons are valence electrons. For transition metals like cadmium, valence electrons are typically those in the outermost s and d subshells. Here, the outermost electrons are in the $5s^2$ and $4d^{10}$ orbitals.
Step 4: Understand that for cadmium, the $4d$ electrons are considered part of the filled inner d-subshell and generally not counted as valence electrons for bonding purposes. The valence electrons are mainly the $5s^2$ electrons.
Step 5: Conclude that the number of valence electrons in a neutral cadmium atom is 2, corresponding to the two electrons in the $5s$ orbital.
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