Multiple Choice
Which term refers to the outermost electrons of an atom?
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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 a carbon atom have?
A
6
B
2
C
4
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6. This means a carbon atom has 6 electrons in total.
Recall that electrons are arranged in energy levels (shells) around the nucleus. The first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, and the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons.
Determine the electron configuration of carbon: the first 2 electrons fill the first shell, and the remaining 4 electrons go into the second shell.
Understand that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. For carbon, the outermost shell is the second shell.
Count the electrons in the outermost shell (second shell) for carbon, which is 4. Therefore, carbon has 4 valence electrons.
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