Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons do elements in Group 13 of the periodic table 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
Which of the following is the number of valence electrons in a neutral atom of selenium (Se)?
A
8
B
6
C
2
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element selenium (Se) on the periodic table. Selenium has an atomic number of 34, which means it has 34 electrons in a neutral atom.
Determine the electron configuration of selenium to understand how its electrons are distributed among the shells and subshells. The electron configuration can be written as: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^4$.
Focus on the electrons in the outermost shell (the highest principal quantum number, n). For selenium, the outermost shell is the 4th shell, which contains the $4s^2$ and $4p^4$ electrons.
Add the electrons in the outermost shell to find the number of valence electrons: $2$ electrons from the $4s$ subshell plus $4$ electrons from the $4p$ subshell, totaling $6$ valence electrons.
Conclude that a neutral atom of selenium has 6 valence electrons, which corresponds to the correct answer.
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