Answer :
To determine the number of core and valence electrons for Argon (Ar) with the electron configuration [tex]\([ \text{Ne} ] 3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Understand Electron Configuration Notation:
- The notation [tex]\([ \text{Ne} ]\)[/tex] represents the electron configuration of the noble gas Neon, which is [tex]\(\text{1s}^2 \text{2s}^2 \text{2p}^6\)[/tex].
- The part of the configuration outside the brackets, [tex]\(3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex], represents the electrons in Argon beyond those in Neon.
2. Identify Core Electrons:
- Core electrons are those found in completely filled inner shells. For Argon, the notation [tex]\([ \text{Ne} ]\)[/tex] covers these electrons.
- Neon has 10 electrons: [tex]\(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6\)[/tex]. These 10 electrons are the core electrons in Argon.
3. Identify Valence Electrons:
- Valence electrons are located in the outermost shell of an atom. They are important for determining the chemical properties of the element.
- For Argon, the valence electrons come from the [tex]\(3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex] part of the configuration, which equals 8 electrons (2 from 3s and 6 from 3p).
4. Conclusion:
- Argon has 10 core electrons.
- Argon has 8 valence electrons.
These steps will help you understand how Argon's electron configuration is divided into core and valence electrons.
1. Understand Electron Configuration Notation:
- The notation [tex]\([ \text{Ne} ]\)[/tex] represents the electron configuration of the noble gas Neon, which is [tex]\(\text{1s}^2 \text{2s}^2 \text{2p}^6\)[/tex].
- The part of the configuration outside the brackets, [tex]\(3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex], represents the electrons in Argon beyond those in Neon.
2. Identify Core Electrons:
- Core electrons are those found in completely filled inner shells. For Argon, the notation [tex]\([ \text{Ne} ]\)[/tex] covers these electrons.
- Neon has 10 electrons: [tex]\(1s^2 2s^2 2p^6\)[/tex]. These 10 electrons are the core electrons in Argon.
3. Identify Valence Electrons:
- Valence electrons are located in the outermost shell of an atom. They are important for determining the chemical properties of the element.
- For Argon, the valence electrons come from the [tex]\(3s^2 3p^6\)[/tex] part of the configuration, which equals 8 electrons (2 from 3s and 6 from 3p).
4. Conclusion:
- Argon has 10 core electrons.
- Argon has 8 valence electrons.
These steps will help you understand how Argon's electron configuration is divided into core and valence electrons.
