Multiple Choice
Which element has 3 valence electrons and 3 energy levels?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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What is the total number of valence electrons in a calcium (Ca) atom in its ground state?
A
8
B
6
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
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 calcium (Ca) in its ground state. Calcium has an atomic number of 20, so it has 20 electrons.
Write the electron configuration for calcium: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2$.
Identify the outermost shell by looking at the highest principal quantum number (n). For calcium, the outermost shell is the 4th shell, which contains the $4s^2$ electrons.
Count the number of electrons in the outermost shell. Calcium has 2 valence electrons in the $4s$ orbital.
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