To determine which element has six valence electrons, we need to refer to the periodic table and understand how valence electrons are distributed among elements based on their group number.
1. Valence electrons are those present in the outermost electron shell of an atom.
2. The group number in the periodic table usually indicates the number of valence electrons for the main group elements.
Let's review the given options:
- Lead (Pb) is in group 14 (IVA), so it has 4 valence electrons.
- Carbon (C) is also in group 14 (IVA), so it has 4 valence electrons.
- Phosphorus (P) is in group 15 (VA), so it has 5 valence electrons.
- Oxygen (O) is in group 16 (VIA), which means it has 6 valence electrons.
Given this information, the element that has six valence electrons is:
Oxygen (O)
