Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does arsenic (As) have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Which of the following is the valence electron configuration for an aluminum (Al) atom?
A
2s^2 2p^1
B
4s^2 4p^1
C
3s^2 3p^1
D
3s^2 3p^3
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 Al atom.
Recall that electrons fill orbitals in order of increasing energy levels following the Aufbau principle: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and so on.
Determine the electron configuration of Al by filling orbitals up to 13 electrons: 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1.
Recognize that valence electrons are those in the outermost shell, which for Al are in the third energy level (n=3), specifically the 3s and 3p orbitals.
Therefore, the valence electron configuration for aluminum is $3s^2 3p^1$, which matches the correct answer choice.
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