Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons do the alkaline earth metals possess?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an atom of argon (Ar) have?
A
8
B
6
C
4
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of argon (Ar), which is 18. This tells us argon has 18 electrons in total.
Determine the electron configuration of argon by filling the orbitals in order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, and 3p.
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, this is the third shell (n=3).
Count the electrons in the 3s and 3p orbitals: $3s^2 + 3p^6 = 8$ valence electrons.
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