Question

Identify the valence shell and the corresponding number of electrons for a neutral atom with atomic number, Z = 24.

• A. N, 4
• B. N, 6
• C. M, 2
• D. M, 6

Answer 1

The correct option is B N, 6

Atomic number of an element represents the total number of protons in an atom. For a neutral atom:
Number of protons = Number of electrons
Thus, for the given atom, the number of electrons is 24.

The electronic configuration of the atom is as follows:
K L M N
2 8 8 6

Thus, the valence shell of the given atom is N, and the number of valence electrons is 6.