To determine which element has six valence electrons, we can look at the electron configuration and the group in the periodic table. Valence electrons are those found in the outermost shell of an atom.
From the periodic table:
- Carbon (C) has the atomic number 6 and an electron configuration of [He] 2s² 2p², which means it has 4 valence electrons.
- Oxygen (O) has the atomic number 8 and an electron configuration of [He] 2s² 2p⁴, which means it has 6 valence electrons.
- Phosphorus (P) has the atomic number 15 and an electron configuration of [Ne] 3s² 3p³, which means it has 5 valence electrons.
- Lead (Pb) has the atomic number 82 and an electron configuration of [Xe] 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p², which means it has 4 valence electrons in its outer p shell.
Thus, the element with six valence electrons is oxygen (O).