How many total electrons and valence electrons are found in an atom of Ga? Total electrons Valence electron(s) What is the number of the principal energy level in which the valence electrons are found?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To determine the total number of electrons and valence electrons in an atom of gallium (Ga), we need to first consider its atomic number and electron configuration.
- Total Electrons:
Gallium (Ga) has an atomic number of 31, which means it has 31 protons. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Therefore, the total number of electrons in a neutral gallium atom is 31 electrons. - Valence Electrons:
To determine the number of valence electrons, we look at the electron configuration of gallium. The electron configuration of gallium is: 1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p11s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2 3d^{10} 4p^11s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p1
Valence electrons are those electrons in the outermost energy level. For gallium, the outermost energy level is the 4th shell, and the electrons in the 4s and 4p orbitals are the valence electrons. From the electron configuration, you can see that gallium has 3 electrons in the 4th energy level (2 in the 4s orbital and 1 in the 4p orbital).
Therefore, gallium has 3 valence electrons.
- Principal Energy Level of Valence Electrons:
The valence electrons are found in the 4th principal energy level (the 4th shell). This is evident from the highest energy orbitals in the electron configuration, which are the 4s and 4p orbitals.
Summary:
- Total electrons: 31
- Valence electrons: 3
- Principal energy level: 4
