Question

(03.01 LC) An atom has the following electron configuration. 1s22s22p63s23p4 How many valence electrons does this atom have? 2 4 6 12

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is 6.

Explanation:

Valence electrons is defined as the electrons which are present in the outermost shell of the element.

For the given electronic configuration:  $1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^4$

The valence shell of the given configuration is '3s' and '3p' where n = 3 (highest).

The number of electrons that 3s and 3p sub-shells contain are (2 + 4) = 6

Hence, the number of valence electrons of the given atom is 6.

Answer 2

6 valence electrons