Which statement correctly compares the valence electrons for atoms of Phosphorous (P) and Radium (Ra)?

Question

A. Compared to Phosphorous, Radium has more valence electrons, and they are in a lower energy level.

B. Compared to Phosphorous, Radium has fewer valence electrons, and they are in a lower energy level.

C. Compared to Phosphorous, Radium has more valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.

D. Compared to Phosphorous, Radium has fewer valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.

choose the correct answer

Answer 1

To compare the valence electrons of Phosphorus (P) and Radium (Ra):

• Phosphorus (atomic number 15) has 5 valence electrons (it is in group 15).
• Radium (atomic number 88) has 2 valence electrons (it is in group 2).

Now, analyzing the options:

• A: Incorrect. Radium has fewer valence electrons than Phosphorus.
• B: Incorrect. While Radium does have fewer valence electrons, they are in a higher energy level (4f and 6s).
• C: Correct. Radium has fewer valence electrons than Phosphorus, but they are in a higher energy level.
• D: Incorrect. Radium has fewer valence electrons than Phosphorus, thus this option is not correct.

Thus, the correct answer is C: Compared to Phosphorous, Radium has fewer valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.