QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How many valence electrons are in an atom of magnesium (atomic number 12)?
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Answer
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Step 1:: Recall the definition of valence electrons
Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom that can participate in the formation of chemical bonds with other atoms.
Step 2:: Understand how to find valence electrons using the atomic number
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom of that element. The atomic number also equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom.
Step 3:: Locate the atomic number for magnesium
Magnesium has an atomic number of 12, which means it has 12 electrons in a neutral atom.
Step 4:: Identify the valence electrons
The periodic table shows that magnesium is in the second column or group, which is also known as Group 2 or the Alkaline Earth Metals. This group has 2 valence electrons.
Final Answer
An atom of magnesium has 2 valence electrons.
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