Multiple Choice
In a simplified model of atomic structure, 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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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a sulfur atom have?
A
4
B
6
C
2
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element sulfur (S) on the periodic table. Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, which means it has 16 electrons in total.
Determine the electron configuration of sulfur to understand how its electrons are distributed in different shells. The electron configuration is written as: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^4$.
Recognize that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (highest principal quantum number). For sulfur, the outermost shell is the third shell, which includes the 3s and 3p orbitals.
Count the electrons in the 3s and 3p orbitals: \$3s^2\( means 2 electrons, and \)3p^4$ means 4 electrons. Add these together to find the total valence electrons.
Sum the valence electrons: \$2 + 4 = 6$. Therefore, sulfur has 6 valence electrons.
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