Stable Ions Quick Check

Question

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Question
Use the periodic table to answer the question.

An illustration shows the periodic table of elements. The elements in the periodic table are arranged in groups (columns numbered 1 through 18) and periods (rows numbered 1 through 7) such that the atomic number increases along a period from left to right. The elements are divided into the following categories: · Alkali metals · Alkaline earth metals · Transition metals · Post-transition metals · Lanthanides · Actinides · Metalloids · Nonmetals · Noble gases · Unknown The elements are also classified on the basis of their physical states as follows: · Solid · Liquid · Gas · Unknown The element sulfur is enlarged with the following properties. · Chemical symbol: S · Name: Sulfur · Atomic Number: 16 · Atomic mass: 32.06 · Common oxidation states: 6, 4, 2, negative 2 · Electronegativity: 2.58 · Ionization energies: 999.589 · Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p4

Which element has six valence electrons?

(1 point)
Responses

lead (Pb)
lead (Pb)

phosphorus (P)
phosphorus (P)

oxygen (O)
oxygen (O)

carbon (C)
carbon (C)
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Answer 1

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).