How many valence electrons are in TeO3?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
To find the number of valence electrons in TeO₃ (tellurium trioxide), count the valence electrons contributed by each atom:
- Tellurium (Te) is in group 16 of the periodic table. It has 6 valence electrons.
- Oxygen (O) is also in group 16 and each oxygen atom contributes 6 valence electrons. Since there are 3 oxygen atoms, that is 3 × 6 = 18 valence electrons.
Now, add the valence electrons from tellurium and oxygen:6 (from Te)+18 (from 3 O)=24 valence electrons6 \text{ (from Te)} + 18 \text{ (from 3 O)} = 24 \text{ valence electrons}6 (from Te)+18 (from 3 O)=24 valence electrons
Correct answer: 24 valence electrons
Explanation
Understanding how many valence electrons are in a compound like TeO₃ is essential in determining its Lewis structure, bonding, and molecular geometry. Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are the ones involved in chemical bonding. To find the total number of valence electrons in a compound, identify the group number of each element in the periodic table and use that to determine the number of valence electrons each atom contributes.
Tellurium (Te) is a metalloid located in group 16 of the periodic table. All elements in group 16 have six valence electrons. Therefore, one tellurium atom contributes six electrons.
Oxygen is also in group 16 and has six valence electrons. Since there are three oxygen atoms in the TeO₃ molecule, multiply the number of oxygen atoms by the number of valence electrons per oxygen atom: 3 × 6 = 18.
Add together the valence electrons from tellurium and oxygen to get the total: 6 + 18 = 24 valence electrons. These 24 electrons are used to form bonds and satisfy the octet rule in the Lewis structure of TeO₃.
This total helps predict the shape and polarity of the molecule. TeO₃ has a trigonal planar structure, indicating that all bonding electrons are spread evenly around the central tellurium atom. Each oxygen typically forms a double bond with tellurium, using the available electrons efficiently to satisfy octets.
In summary, the TeO₃ molecule contains 24 valence electrons which play a crucial role in its chemical structure and behavior.