Question

which element has fewer than four dots in its electron dot diagrams?
arsenic (as)
sulfur (s)
krypton (kr)
gallium (ga)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine valence electrons

The number of dots in an electron - dot diagram is equal to the number of valence electrons.

• For arsenic (As), it is in group 15. The number of valence electrons \(n = 5\).
• For sulfur (S), it is in group 16. The number of valence electrons \(n=6\).
• For krypton (Kr), it is in group 18. The number of valence electrons \(n = 8\).
• For gallium (Ga), it is in group 13. The number of valence electrons \(n=3\).

Answer:

gallium (Ga)