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Chapter 4: Problem 48

Among the main-group elements, what is the relationship between group number and the number of valence electrons among group members?

Short Answer

Expert verified
For the main-group elements, the number of valence electrons is equal to the group number for groups 1 and 2, while for groups 13 to 18, the number of valence electrons is the group number minus ten.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the terms

Firstly, a valence electron is an outer shell electron that is associated with an atom, and that can participate in the formation of a chemical bond if the outer shell is not closed. In a single atom, the number of valence electrons corresponds to its group number, the vertical column in the Periodic Table of Elements.
02

Discuss the relationship in Groups 1 and 2

For the main group elements in group 1 (alkali metals) and group 2 (alkali earth metals), the group number is equal to the number of valence electrons. So, alkali metals have 1 valence electron and alkali earth metals have 2 valence electrons.
03

Discuss the relationship in Groups 13-18

For main group elements in groups 13-18, the number of valence electrons is equal to the group number minus ten. Therefore, elements in group 13 have 3 valence electrons, group 14 elements have 4 valence electrons, and so on up to group 18, where the elements have 8 valence electrons.

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