Answer :
The valence electrons of a germanium atom in the ground state are located in the Fourth shell.
Ge atomic number is 32 and the condensed electron configuration is -
[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p²
valence electrons are electrons in the outermost energy shell involved in chemical bonding
the number of electrons in the 4th energy shell are 4 electrons
according to the definition valence electrons are electrons in the outermost energy shell
the outermost energy shell of Ge is the 4th energy shell
therefore
The valence electrons of a germanium atom in the ground state are located in the
(4) fourth shell