Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a neutral boron (B) atom have?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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How many valence electrons does mercury (Hg) have?
A
8
B
2
C
6
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the position of mercury (Hg) on the periodic table. Mercury is in group 12 and period 6.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number, n) of an atom.
Determine the electron configuration of mercury (Hg). Mercury has the electron configuration: $[Xe] 4f^{14} 5d^{10} 6s^{2}$.
Focus on the electrons in the outermost shell, which is the 6th shell for mercury. The 6s subshell contains 2 electrons.
Conclude that mercury has 2 valence electrons because only the 6s electrons are considered valence electrons in this case.
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