Multiple Choice
Which electrons are primarily involved in chemical bonding between atoms?
3
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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 sodium (Na) atom have?
A
8
B
0
C
1
D
2
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of sodium (Na), which is 11. This means a neutral sodium atom has 11 electrons.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
Determine the electron configuration of sodium: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1$.
Note that the outermost shell for sodium is the third shell (3s), which contains 1 electron.
Conclude that sodium has 1 valence electron because only the electrons in the outermost shell count as valence electrons.
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