Question

The atomic number of Sulfur is 16 and it is the member of group VIA. Predict the number of core electrons in sulfur atom.
Can someone explain me how is this 10?

Answer 1

as you know, Sulfer's atomic number is 16. core electrons are all electrons that aren't valence electrons. so, Sulfer has 16 electrons: 6 are valence and 10 are core.

Answer 2

do you understand?

Answer 3

Hmm so to figure out the number of core electrons of an element... I simply grab their atomic number and subtract it by the amount of valence electrons it has?

Answer 4

yup! for example, Oxygen's atomic number is 8. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons so therefore, it has only 2 core electrons.

Answer 5

Ooo I see. Hmm another example I have with a higher amount of atomic number. For example Lead. It has 4 valence electrons and 78 core electrons?

Answer 6

It seems quite off with that

Answer 7

you're absolutely correct. Lead has 82 electrons: 4 are valence and 78 are core.

Answer 8

I know it seems off, but it's correct

Answer 9

ありがとう :)

Answer 10

no problem! I'm glad you understand it now. have a great day/night!