Determine the number of valence electrons in each of the neutral atoms. carbon: nitrogen: oxygen: chlorine: sulfur:

Answer: C = 4 valence electrons

N = 5 valence electrons

O = 6 valence electrons

Cl = 7 valence electrons

S = 6 valence electrons

Explanation: Refer to each electron configuration:

C - 1s², 2s²,2p² valence e - add the exponents on the highest energy level which is period 2. So 2+2=4

N - 1s²,2s²,2p³ add the exponent in the 2nd orbital: 2+3 = 5 valence electrons

O - 1s²,2s²,2p⁴ add the exponents in the 2nd orbital: 2 + 4 = 6 valence electrons

Cl - 1s²,2s²,2p5 add the exponents in the 2nd orbital: 2 + 5 = 7 valence electrons.

S - 1s²,2s²,2p⁴ add the exponents in the 2nd orbital: 2 + 4 = 6 valence electrons.

Valence electrons -

It refers to the number of electrons that are present at the very last shell of the atom, is referred to as the valence electrons.

From the question,

Carbon -

Atomic number = 6

electronic configuration is written as - 2, 4.

Hence,

Valence electrons = 4.

Nitrogen -

Atomic number = 7

electronic configuration is written as - 2, 5.

Hence,

Valence electrons = 5.

Oxygen -

Atomic number = 8

electronic configuration is written as - 2, 6.

Hence,

Valence electrons = 6.

Chlorine -

Atomic number = 17

electronic configuration is written as - 2, 8, 7.

Hence,

Valence electrons = 7.

Sulfur -

Atomic number = 16

electronic configuration is written as - 2, 8, 6

Hence,

Valence electrons = 6.