Multiple Choice
How many electron shells does a neutral carbon atom possess?
4
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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 silver (Ag) have?
A
1
B
2
C
3
D
4
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the electron configuration of silver (Ag), which has an atomic number of 47. The full electron configuration is $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{10} 4p^{6} 5s^{1} 4d^{10}$.
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number, n) that participate in chemical bonding.
Look at the electrons in the highest energy level (n=5) for silver. Here, silver has one electron in the 5s orbital and a filled 4d subshell (which is n=4, so not the outermost shell).
Understand that for transition metals like silver, the valence electrons are typically the electrons in the outermost s and d orbitals. However, the 4d electrons are considered part of the inner d-subshell and less involved in bonding compared to the 5s electron.
Conclude that silver has 1 valence electron, which is the single electron in the 5s orbital.
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