Question

storyline 1 exam
which of the following is a characteristic of the group 14 elements?
they have 4 valence electrons
they have 14 protons
they have 14 neutrons
they have 4 core electrons

Explanation:

In the periodic table, group number (for main - group elements) is related to the number of valence electrons. Group 14 elements (also known as carbon - group elements) have 4 valence electrons.

• The number of protons is specific to each element. For example, carbon has 6 protons, silicon has 14 protons. So, the statement "They have 14 protons" is incorrect as it is not a general characteristic of the group.
• The number of neutrons varies among isotopes of elements. For example, carbon has isotopes like \(^{12}C\) (6 neutrons), \(^{13}C\) (7 neutrons). So, "They have 14 neutrons" is incorrect.
• Core electrons are calculated based on the electron - configuration. For example, carbon (\(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{2}\)) has 2 core electrons (\(1s^{2}\)), not 4.

Answer:

They have 4 valence electrons