CramX Logo

Q
QuestionChemistry

How many valence electrons would be shown in the electron dot diagram of a helium atom?
12 months agoReport content

Answer

Full Solution Locked

Sign in to view the complete step-by-step solution and unlock all study resources.

Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:

Step 2:
: Understand the Helium Atom

Helium is a noble gas located in Group 18 (formerly Group 8A) of the periodic table. To determine the number of valence electrons, we need to look at its electron configuration.

Step 3:
: Electron Configuration of Helium

The electron configuration of helium is $$1s^{2}$$, which means it has two electrons in its first (and only) energy level.

Step 4:
: Valence Electrons Definition

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.

Step 5:
: Counting Valence Electrons

For helium, all of its electrons are in the first shell, which means both electrons are considered valence electrons.

Step 6:
: Electron Dot Diagram Representation

In an electron dot diagram, each valence electron is represented by a dot around the element's symbol.

Final Answer

The electron dot diagram for helium would look like: He: (with two dots placed on opposite sides of the He symbol)