Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons are present in the ground-state electron configuration of a nitrogen atom?
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons are present in an atom of argon (Ar)?
A
8
B
6
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element in question, which is argon (Ar). Argon is a noble gas with atomic number 18.
Determine the electron configuration of argon. The electron configuration shows how electrons are distributed in the atom's orbitals.
Write the electron configuration for argon: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6$.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number). For argon, the outermost shell is the third shell (n=3).
Count the electrons in the outermost shell: $3s^2$ and $3p^6$ add up to $2 + 6 = 8$ valence electrons.
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