Multiple Choice
In introductory chemistry, what is a valence electron?
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9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Valence Electrons of Elements (Simplified)
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How many valence electrons does a neutral carbon atom have?
A
6
B
4
C
2
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of carbon, which is 6. This means a neutral carbon atom has 6 protons and 6 electrons.
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 by filling the shells starting from the lowest energy level: the first shell will have 2 electrons, and the remaining electrons will go to the second shell.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell. For carbon, the outermost shell is the second shell.
Count the number of electrons in the outermost shell (second shell) to find the number of valence electrons for carbon.
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