QuestionIdentify the element with 18 protons and 8 valence electrons: atomic mass 18, highly reactive, metal, or stable?
Studdy Solution
STEP 1
Assumptions1. The atom has18 protons. The atom has8 valence electrons
STEP 2
The number of protons in an atom determines the atomic number, which in turn identifies the element. Therefore, we can identify the element by its atomic number.
STEP 3
Plug in the given value for the atomic number to identify the element.
STEP 4
Looking up the atomic number18 in the periodic table, we find that the element is Argon (Ar).
STEP 5
The number of valence electrons determines the reactivity of the element. Elements with a full outer shell (8 valence electrons for most elements) are generally stable and non-reactive.
STEP 6
Given that our element has8 valence electrons, we can conclude that it is stable and non-reactive.
STEP 7
Therefore, the best statement that identifies the element is "The element is stable because its outer energy level is full."
The element is Argon (Ar), and it is stable because its outer energy level is full.
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