Question

atoms that have the same number of valence electrons in their outer shell
a. are all nonmetallic elements.
b. are all metallic elements.
c. must be atoms of the same element.
d. belong to the same family of elements.

Explanation:

• Option A: Elements with the same valence electrons can include metals (e.g., alkali metals have 1 valence electron), so not all are nonmetallic. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Elements like halogens (7 valence electrons) are nonmetallic, so not all with same valence electrons are metallic. Eliminate B.
• Option C: Atoms with same valence electrons can be different elements (e.g., Na and K both have 1 valence electron but are different elements). Eliminate C.
• Option D: Elements in the same family (group) of the periodic table have the same number of valence electrons. This matches the definition.

Answer:

D. belong to the same family of elements.