When I think Chemistry I think Friendly Corner

[RogueFactoryKid]

I'm stuck on 10 problems we were assigned that involve electron Dot notation and Lewis structures. I know how to do that, but i am having trouble on finding the number of Valence Electrons. It is really pissing me off. Anybody taking this class that knows how to find them?

[SAW]

They are the electrons in the outermost electron shell. Can you just look at a diagram or do you have a periodic table?

[WickeDKlowN]

Like the last guy said, they're the ones on the outermost shell.

[bam wannabe]

duh, how did u not know that... :D

[Fixion]

You fill up the S and P electron levels from left to right. Think of each atoms "box" on the periodic table as a space for an electron (forget the D bock, the transition metals, for now).

To make it even simpler, forget the S and P levels. Each "box" can hold one electron.

So... Na has 1 velece electron because its the first element in its group. Al would have 3 because its the 3rd element in its group. Get it?