Answer :
Sure, I'd be happy to help you understand how to determine the number of core and valence electrons in Argon (Ar).
1. Identify the electron configuration of Argon (Ar).
The electron configuration of Argon is given as [tex]\([Ne] 3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex].
2. Understand what core and valence electrons are.
- Core electrons are the electrons in the inner shells (not involved in bonding).
- Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (involved in bonding).
3. Break down the electron configuration:
- The electron configuration for Argon mentions [tex]\([Ne]\)[/tex]. Neon (Ne) has the configuration [tex]\(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6\)[/tex], which equals 10 electrons.
- Adding the remaining configuration [tex]\(3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex] for Argon, we get 8 electrons in the third shell.
4. Count core electrons:
- The electrons represented by [tex]\([Ne]\)[/tex] are core electrons.
- Neon has 10 electrons.
Therefore, Argon has 10 core electrons.
5. Count valence electrons:
- The electrons in the [tex]\(3s\)[/tex] and [tex]\(3p\)[/tex] orbitals are the valence electrons.
- [tex]\(3s^2\)[/tex] implies 2 electrons in the 3s orbital.
- [tex]\(3p^6\)[/tex] implies 6 electrons in the 3p orbital.
Therefore, Argon has 8 valence electrons.
In summary:
- Core electrons: 10
- Valence electrons: 8
1. Identify the electron configuration of Argon (Ar).
The electron configuration of Argon is given as [tex]\([Ne] 3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex].
2. Understand what core and valence electrons are.
- Core electrons are the electrons in the inner shells (not involved in bonding).
- Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (involved in bonding).
3. Break down the electron configuration:
- The electron configuration for Argon mentions [tex]\([Ne]\)[/tex]. Neon (Ne) has the configuration [tex]\(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6\)[/tex], which equals 10 electrons.
- Adding the remaining configuration [tex]\(3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex] for Argon, we get 8 electrons in the third shell.
4. Count core electrons:
- The electrons represented by [tex]\([Ne]\)[/tex] are core electrons.
- Neon has 10 electrons.
Therefore, Argon has 10 core electrons.
5. Count valence electrons:
- The electrons in the [tex]\(3s\)[/tex] and [tex]\(3p\)[/tex] orbitals are the valence electrons.
- [tex]\(3s^2\)[/tex] implies 2 electrons in the 3s orbital.
- [tex]\(3p^6\)[/tex] implies 6 electrons in the 3p orbital.
Therefore, Argon has 8 valence electrons.
In summary:
- Core electrons: 10
- Valence electrons: 8
