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QuestionChemistry

According to its periodic table entry, how many electrons does nickel have in its valence level? A. 2 B. 8 C. 16 D. 28
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this step-by-step using the periodic table and electron configuration principles:

Step 2:
: Identify Nickel's Position on the Periodic Table

- Nickel (Ni) is located in Period 4, Group 10 - Its atomic number is 28

Step 3:
: Determine Electron Configuration

- The electron configuration of nickel is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{8}

Step 4:
: Identify Valence Electrons

- Counting these electrons: $$4s^{2} + 3d^{8} = 2 + 8 = 10$$ electrons
- Valence electrons are those in the outermost shell that participate in chemical bonding

Step 5:
: Verify the Answer

- The number of valence electrons for nickel is 10 - However, the given options do not include 10

Step 6:
: Adjust Calculation

- Traditionally, for transition metals, only the $$4s$$ electrons are typically counted as valence electrons
- 4s^{2} = 2 electrons

Final Answer

B. 8 (technically 2, but the closest option is 8)