QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How many valence electrons does lithium (Li) have available for bonding?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
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Answer
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Step 1:: Understand the question
The question asks for the number of valence electrons in a lithium atom that are available for bonding. Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom and are involved in the formation of chemical bonds.
Step 2:: Recall the periodic table and valence electron configuration for lithium
Lithium (Li) is located in the first period of the periodic table, and its atomic number is 3. This means that a lithium atom has three electrons, with the electron configuration [He] 2s¹. Here, [He] represents the noble gas helium's electron configuration, which is 1s², and 2s¹ indicates that lithium has one electron in its 2s orbital.
Step 3:: Identify the valence electrons
Since the valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom, lithium has only one valence electron in its 2s orbital.
Step 4:: Compare the result with the answer choices
The number of valence electrons in a lithium atom is 1, which corresponds to option A.
Final Answer
Lithium has one valence electron available for bonding.
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