Which statement correctly compares the valence electrons for atoms of francium (Fr) and barium (Ba)?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

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

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

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

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), we need to consider their positions in the periodic table.

• Francium (Fr) is in Group 1 and is an alkali metal, meaning it has 1 valence electron.
• Barium (Ba) is in Group 2 and is an alkaline earth metal, meaning it has 2 valence electrons.

Now, looking at their energy levels:

• Francium is in period 7, which means its valence electron is in the 7th energy level.
• Barium is in period 6, which means its valence electrons are in the 6th energy level.

Based on this information, we can conclude:

• Francium has fewer valence electrons (1) compared to Barium (2).
• The valence electrons for Francium are in a higher energy level (7) compared to Barium (6).

Therefore, the correct statement is:

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