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

Question

(1 point)
Responses

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.

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 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.

Answer 1

Let's analyze the valence electrons of both francium (Fr) and barium (Ba).

• Barium (Ba) is in Group 2 of the periodic table and has 2 valence electrons (configuration: [Xe] 6s²).
• Francium (Fr) is in Group 1 and has 1 valence electron (configuration: [Radon] 7s¹).

Now considering their energy levels:

• Barium's valence electrons are in the 6th energy level (6s).
• Francium's valence electron is in the 7th energy level (7s).

Thus, we conclude:

• Francium has fewer valence electrons (1) compared to barium (which has 2).
• Francium’s valence electron is in a higher energy level (7th level) compared to barium’s (6th level).

The correct statement is: Francium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.