To compare the valence electrons of francium (Fr) and barium (Ba), we first need to look at their electronic configurations:
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Barium (Ba) has an atomic number of 56 and is located in group 2 of the periodic table, which means it has 2 valence electrons in its outermost shell (the 6s orbital). The electron configuration for barium is [Xe] 6s².
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Francium (Fr) has an atomic number of 87 and is located in group 1 of the periodic table, which means it has 1 valence electron in its outermost shell (the 7s orbital). The electron configuration for francium is [Rn] 7s¹.
Based on the information:
- Francium has fewer valence electrons (1) compared to barium (2).
- Francium's valence electron is in a higher energy level (7s) compared to barium's valence electrons (6s).
Thus, the correct statement is: Francium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.