Question

So the question is The ___ number equals the _____ of ____ electrons, but I put The atomic number equals the amount of total electrons and that is wrong. My teacher said that this question has nothing to do with Atomic Number. Help!!

Answer 1

It's supposed to only have to do with "Determining # of Shells and Valence Electrons"

Answer 2

In an electrically-neutral atom (not missing electrons or capturing extra electrons), the number of protons and the number of electrons will be equal. So, you are making a correct statement, but it isn't the correct correct statement :-)

Answer 3

Do you know what valence electrons are?

Answer 4

Yep! :)

Answer 5

Can you tell me?

Answer 6

Ok i actually can't think of anything that would fit.

Answer 7

Valence electrons are the electrons on the outer shell

Answer 8

And yes i know how many can be on per shell (2n^2 (two n squared))

Answer 9

Yes. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outer shell, and are the ones which participate in chemical bonds. Can you make that fit the blanks in the question?

Answer 10

I'm really trying!

Answer 11

Have you heard of the term "valence number"?

Answer 12

No I have not. Is that like basically just the amount of valence electrons?

Answer 13

The valence number equals the amount of valence electrons?

Answer 14

You got it. I think that is a highly qualified candidate for the first blank...

Answer 15

ok. Thanks!! :D

Answer 16

So, if the sentence reads:
The valence number equals the _____ of ____ electrons

what do you think goes in the other two blanks?

Answer 17

The valence number equals the amount of valence electrons

Answer 18

Well, yes, but I don't think that is probably what they want there. What are valence electrons? Can you make your answer to that question provide words to fill in the blanks and show a bit more understanding?

Answer 19

That's all the room I have, so honestly, I really can't think of one. The valence number equals the amount of total electrons honestly is the best one I can come up with

Answer 20

Thanks though @whpalmer4 :)

Answer 21

The valence number equals the number of outer-shell electrons, perhaps? Either way is probably okay, I suppose.

Answer 22

Ahh! That does work! Thanks! Although honestly, my teacher gave us a quiz today, and we're taking it again tomorrow just as like a sort of redo. That was a question, and she said it was wrong and I was really confused. So honestly I think I'll use the first one, just so I can remember it! :)