Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Periodic Table
The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It provides essential information about each element, including its position, which helps in understanding its electron structure and reactivity. Elements are organized into periods and groups, with similar properties found in the same columns.
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Electron Configuration
Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. It follows the Aufbau principle, which states that electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first. For lithium (Li), with an atomic number of 3, the electron configuration is 1s² 2s¹, indicating that it has two electrons in the 1s orbital and one in the 2s orbital.
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Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are crucial for determining an element's chemical properties and reactivity. In the case of lithium, the 2s electron is a valence electron, which plays a significant role in bonding and chemical reactions. Understanding the number of valence electrons helps predict how an element will interact with others.
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