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Ch.9 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Tro - Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 5th Edition
Tro5th EditionChemistry: A Molecular ApproachISBN: 9780134874371Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTro 5th EditionCh.9 - Periodic Properties of the ElementsProblem 48a
Chapter 9, Problem 48a

Name an element in the third period (row) of the periodic table with the following: a. three valence electrons

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1. The periodic table is organized into periods (rows) and groups (columns). The number of valence electrons an element has corresponds to its group number. For example, elements in group 1 have one valence electron, elements in group 2 have two valence electrons, and so on.
2. We are looking for an element in the third period (row) of the periodic table with three valence electrons. This means we are looking for an element in the third group of the periodic table.
3. The third period of the periodic table starts with sodium (Na) and ends with argon (Ar).
4. The third group in the third period of the periodic table is aluminum (Al).
5. Therefore, the element in the third period of the periodic table with three valence electrons is aluminum (Al).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Periodic Table Structure

The periodic table is organized into rows (periods) and columns (groups) based on atomic number and electron configuration. Elements in the same period have the same number of electron shells, while those in the same group share similar chemical properties due to their valence electron configurations.
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Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how an element reacts chemically. The number of valence electrons influences an element's bonding behavior and its placement in the periodic table, particularly in relation to its group.
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Elements in the Third Period

The third period of the periodic table includes the elements sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), and argon (Ar). Among these, aluminum (Al) is the only element with three valence electrons, making it a key example for the question.
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