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

Question

(1 point)
• 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 more valence electrons, and they are in a higher energy level.
• Barium has fewer valence electrons, but they are in a higher energy level.

Answer 1

To compare the valence electrons for francium (Fr) and barium (Ba):

• Barium (Ba) is in Group 2 of the periodic table and has 2 valence electrons.
• Francium (Fr) is in Group 1 of the periodic table and has 1 valence electron.

Also, Barium is located in period 6, and Francium is in period 7, which means that the valence electrons of Francium are in a higher energy level than those of Barium.

Given that:

• Francium has fewer valence electrons (1) than Barium (2).
• Francium’s valence electrons are indeed in a higher energy level (7th) compared to Barium's (6th).

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