Question

multiple choice question
how many dots are in the electron dot diagram for argon?
o 2
o 3
o 4
o 8

Explanation:

In an electron dot diagram (Lewis dot structure), the number of dots represents the number of valence electrons. Argon is a noble gas with an atomic number of 18. Its electron configuration is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^{6}\). The valence shell (third shell here) has \(3s^{2}3p^{6}\), so the number of valence electrons is \(2 + 6=8\).

Answer:

8