The number of valence electrons of a main group element is related to which of the following?
A) the element's atomic number
B) the element's atomic weight
C) the element's column number
D) none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of valence electrons in a main group element is related to its column number, or group number, on the periodic table. For example, all elements in group 1 (the alkali metals) have one valence electron, while all elements in group 18 (the noble gases) have eight valence electrons. The atomic number and atomic weight do not necessarily determine the number of valence electrons an element has.

The Number of Valence Electrons of a Main Group Element