How many valence electrons does neon have

Question

Johnathan Clark · Accepted Answer

Neon has **8 valence electrons** due to its electron configuration $1s^2 \; 2s^2 \; 2p^6$, which completes its octet in the outermost shell.

Johnathan Clark · Accepted Answer

## Answer

**Neon** is a noble gas with the atomic number 10, which means it has **10 electrons**. These electrons are distributed in the electron shells around the nucleus of the neon atom. The electronic configuration of neon can be represented as:

$$ 
	ext{Neon:} \; 1s^2 \; 2s^2 \; 2p^6 
$$

In this configuration:
- The first shell (1s) contains **2 electrons**.
- The second shell (2s and 2p) together contain **8 electrons**.

The electrons in the outermost shell are known as **valence electrons**. For neon, the outermost shell is the second shell, which comprises the 2s and 2p subshells. Since the second shell contains a total of 8 electrons, **neon has 8 valence electrons**.

### Key Points

$$ 
\begin{align*}
	ext{Electronic Configuration:} & \quad 1s^2 \; 2s^2 \; 2p^6 \
	ext{Valence Electrons:} & \quad 8 \
\end{align*}
$$

Thus, neon satisfies the **octet rule**, making it chemically inert, as it has a **complete valence shell** of 8 electrons.

How many valence electrons does neon have

Explanation

Answer

Key Points