QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How many valence electrons does an atom of rubidium (Rb, atomic number 37) have?
A. One
B. Five
C. Six
D. 37
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Determine the electron configuration of rubidium
- The electron configuration for rubidium is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{10} 4p^{6} 5s^{1}
- Rubidium's atomic number is 37, which means it has 37 protons and 37 electrons
Step 3:: Identify the valence electrons
- The 5s orbital contains $$1$$ electron
- Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell - For rubidium, the valence electrons are in the 5s orbital
Step 4:: Confirm the number of valence electrons
- Alkali metals always have $$1$$ valence electron
- Rubidium is an alkali metal in Group 1 of the periodic table - This matches the electron configuration we found in Step 2
Final Answer
One valence electron Explanation: Rubidium has a single valence electron in its 5s orbital, which is characteristic of Group 1 (alkali) metals.
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