The Basics
What are valence electrons?
The electrons in the highest energy level of an atom are held more loosely in the outer shell
What is the main goal of most atoms?
To become stable and less reactive
Which group contains very reactive elements that have 1 valence electron?
Group 1 - Alkali Metals
How many valence electrons do metals have and how do they react?
Metals usually have have 1, 2, or 3 valence electrons and they react by losing them
How can you use the periodic table as a roadmap for valence electrons?
As you move from left to right (Rows/Periods) on the periodic table, the number of valence electrons increases by 1.
How many valence electrons does an alkali metal have?
1 valence electron
What does it mean if an atom has 8 valence electrons?
It is very stable and does not react easily
Which group contains very reactive elements known as "salt formers?"
Group 17 - Halogens
Which elements are typically gases at room temperature and have 4 or more valence electrons, becoming stable by gaining or sharing electrons?
Nonmetals
Why are the columns (groups) in the periodic table important?
They have the same number of valence electrons and similar properties (family traits)
In which group are elements that have 7 valence electrons found?
Group 17 - Halogens
Name a small atom that is stable with only 2 electrons?
Helium
Which group on the periodic table is considered to be "lazy" because they do not react easily, and why?
The Noble Gases, because they already have 8 valence electrons and are stable
This element is known as the most reactive of all and is a member of the nonmetals?
Flourine - It can even form compounds with some of the noble gases
What does an electron-dot diagram show?
The number of valence electrons for an element
Which group contains elements with 8 valence electrons and is very stable?
Group 18 - Noble Gases
During a chemical reaction, what happens to electrons?
They can be transferred or shared between atoms
How many valence electrons do alkali metals need to lose to be stable?
They need to lose 1 valence electron to become stable
Which elements behave like either metals or nonmetals?
Metalloids
How many dots would you draw for oxygen to represent the amount of valence electrons it has?
6 dots
Why are valence electrons important for atoms?
They determine how the atom can bond with other atoms
What is the force of attraction that holds atoms together once they have rearranged their electrons to reach stability?
Chemical bond
How many valence electrons do gases in the Halogen family need to gain to become stable? *Remember they have 7 valence electrons already*
They need to gain 1 valence electron
How many valence electrons do metalloids typically have, allowing them to act like metals or nonmetals
3 to 6 valence electrons
How many more valence electrons will oxygen need to become stable?
It needs 2 more valence electrons to become stable