Question

to begin, check that sodium (na) and chlorine (cl) are selected from the menus at right. click play (▶) to see electrons orbiting the nucleus of each atom. (note: these atom models are simplified and not meant to be realistic.) 1. each atom consists of a central nucleus and several shells that contain electrons. the outermost electrons are called valence electrons. how many valence electrons does each atom have? sodium: chlorine:

Explanation:

Step1: Recall sodium's electron - configuration

Sodium has an atomic number of 11. Its electron - configuration is 2, 8, 1. The outermost shell has 1 electron.

Step2: Recall chlorine's electron - configuration

Chlorine has an atomic number of 17. Its electron - configuration is 2, 8, 7. The outermost shell has 7 electrons.

Answer:

Sodium: 1
Chlorine: 7