QuestionMay 11, 2025

Which of the following has the most unpaired valence electrons: an atom of hydrogen, an atom of sulfur, an atom of chlorine, or an atom of carbon? Sulfur Neon Chlorine Carbon

Which of the following has the most unpaired valence electrons: an atom of hydrogen, an atom of sulfur, an atom of chlorine, or an atom of carbon? Sulfur Neon Chlorine Carbon
Which of the following has the most unpaired valence electrons: an atom of hydrogen, an atom of sulfur, an atom of chlorine, or an
atom of carbon?
Sulfur
Neon
Chlorine
Carbon

Solution
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Answer

Sulfur and Carbon (both have the most unpaired valence electrons with 2 each) Explanation 1. Determine the electron configuration Hydrogen: 1s^1 (1 unpaired electron) Sulfur: [Ne] 3s^2 3p^4 (2 unpaired electrons) Chlorine: [Ne] 3s^2 3p^5 (1 unpaired electron) Carbon: 1s^2 2s^2 2p^2 (2 unpaired electrons) 2. Compare unpaired electrons Sulfur and carbon both have 2 unpaired electrons, more than hydrogen and chlorine.

Explanation

1. Determine the electron configuration<br /> Hydrogen: $1s^1$ (1 unpaired electron)<br /> Sulfur: $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^4$ (2 unpaired electrons)<br /> Chlorine: $[Ne] 3s^2 3p^5$ (1 unpaired electron)<br /> Carbon: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^2$ (2 unpaired electrons)<br /><br />2. Compare unpaired electrons<br /> Sulfur and carbon both have 2 unpaired electrons, more than hydrogen and chlorine.
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