What is the group number and number of valence electrons for each of the following elements? e. barium

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element's position on the periodic table. Barium (Ba) is located in Group 2.
2. Understand that elements in Group 2 are known as alkaline earth metals.
3. Recognize that the group number for main group elements (Groups 1-2 and 13-18) corresponds to the number of valence electrons.
4. Since barium is in Group 2, it has 2 valence electrons.
5. Conclude that barium has a group number of 2 and 2 valence electrons.

Key Concepts

Group Number

The group number in the periodic table indicates the column in which an element is located. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties and have the same number of valence electrons. For example, barium is located in Group 2, which means it has similar characteristics to other alkaline earth metals.

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom and are crucial for determining how an element reacts chemically. The number of valence electrons influences an element's bonding behavior and reactivity. Barium, being in Group 2, has two valence electrons, which it can lose to form positive ions.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. It is organized into rows (periods) and columns (groups), allowing for easy identification of an element's group number and its corresponding valence electrons. Understanding the layout of the periodic table is essential for predicting element behavior.