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QuestionChemistry

How many valence electrons does gallium (Ga, atomic no. = 31) have?
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Step 1:
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Step 2:
: Determine the electron configuration of gallium

- The electron configuration is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 4s^{2} 3d^{10} 4p^{1}
- Gallium's atomic number is 31, so it has 31 electrons

Step 3:
: Identify the valence electrons

- Valence electrons are those in the outermost shell - For main group elements, these are the electrons in the highest energy s and p orbitals - In gallium's case, these are the electrons in the 4s and 4p orbitals

Step 4:
: Count the valence electrons

- Total valence electrons: $$2 + 1 = 3
- 4p^{1} contributes 1 electron

Final Answer

Gallium (Ga) has 3 valence electrons.