Use the periodic table to answer the question.
Which Statement about magnesium [Mg] and calcium [Ca] is correct?
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They are both classified as noble gases.
They both have the same number of valence electrons.
They both have the same number of electron shells.
The correct statement is: They both have the same number of valence electrons.
To answer the question, we will need to refer to the periodic table.
Looking at the periodic table, we can find magnesium [Mg] and calcium [Ca] in Group 2, also known as the alkaline earth metals.
Now let's evaluate each statement:
1) They are both classified as noble gases - This statement is incorrect. Noble gases are found in Group 18 on the periodic table, which includes elements such as helium, neon, argon, etc. Magnesium and calcium are not noble gases.
2) They both have the same number of valence electrons - This statement is also incorrect. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. Magnesium has 2 valence electrons (2 in its outermost energy level), while calcium has 2 valence electrons (2 in its outermost energy level). Therefore, they do not have the same number of valence electrons.
3) They both have the same number of electron shells - This statement is correct. Both magnesium and calcium have two electron shells. Magnesium has its electrons distributed in the 3s and 2s orbitals, while calcium has its electrons distributed in the 4s and 3s orbitals. Despite the difference in the specific electron orbitals, they both have two occupied electron shells.
Therefore, the correct statement is that magnesium and calcium both have the same number of electron shells.
To answer this question using the periodic table, you need to understand the atomic structure of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca).
Step 1: Find the atomic number of magnesium and calcium.
- Magnesium (Mg) has an atomic number of 12.
- Calcium (Ca) has an atomic number of 20.
Step 2: Determine the number of valence electrons.
- Valence electrons are the electrons found in the outermost energy level (also called the valence shell) of an atom.
- The group number of an element on the periodic table can give you the number of valence electrons for elements in Groups 1-12.
- Magnesium is in Group 2, so it has 2 valence electrons.
- Calcium is also in Group 2, so it also has 2 valence electrons.
Based on this information, the correct statement is: "They both have the same number of valence electrons."