Use the periodic table to answer the question: Which statement correctly compares the valence electrons for atoms of francium (Fr) and barium (Ba)? (1 point)

Question

Responses

Francium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.
Francium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.

Barium has more valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.
Barium has more valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.

Barium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.
Barium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.

Francium has more valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.
Francium has more valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.

Answer 1

To compare the valence electrons of francium (Fr) and barium (Ba), let's look at their positions in the periodic table:

• Barium (Ba) is an alkaline earth metal in Group 2 and has 2 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is \([Xe] 6s^2\).
• Francium (Fr) is an alkali metal in Group 1 and has 1 valence electron. Its electron configuration is \([Rn] 7s^1\).

Now, comparing their valence electrons:

• Francium (Fr) has 1 valence electron,
• Barium (Ba) has 2 valence electrons.

In terms of energy levels:

• The valence electrons of barium are in the 6th energy level (6s).
• The valence electron of francium is in the 7th energy level (7s).

Using this information, the correct comparison would be:

Francium has fewer valence electrons (1), but they are in a higher energy level (7th) compared to barium's 2 valence electrons in the 6th energy level.

Therefore, the correct statement is:

Francium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.