Question

Metals generally have ______ number of electron(s) in their valence shell.

• A. 1, 2, or 3
• B. 7, 8 or 9
• C. 10, 11, or 12
• D. 20, 30, or 40

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

1, 2, or 3

Alkali and alkaline earth metals have valence electrons as 1 and 2 respectively. In general, elements with 1-3 valence electrons can be metal except for hydrogen and helium (nonmetal) and Boron (metalloid). Also, transition elements have 2 valence electrons but since they can utilize d-orbital for bonding, therefore can have variable oxidation states.
Therefore in general 1-3 valence electrons can be meta.
Hence, option $A$ is correct.