Question

Explain how the term ‘valence electrons’ is related to electron configurations. Use the elements in Group 16 (or VIA), Periods 3, 4, and 5 as examples.

Answer 1

valence electrons are the only electrons in an element that are used for electron configuration. The period number indicates how many electron levels there are, while the group number indicates how many electrons are in the valence level. However, the group number is a bit iffy; for groups 1 and 2, there are 1 and 2 electrons in the valence level, respectively. For groups 13-18, you would have to drop the one in front of the number and it would then indicate how many e- are in the valence level (ex. group 13- drop the one and three is left. therefore, three e- are in that valence level). If you have these techniques down, then figuring out how many e- are needed for electon configuration should be a piece of cake.