which of the following atomic numbers indicates the element with the highest valence number

6
8
10
14

I think it'll be 10 because the innermost layer can only hold two electrons and the second inner layer can only hold 8 electrons. The definition of valence electrons is the number of electron on the outermost layer so it'll be 10 as 10 has 8 valence electrons.

To determine which atomic number indicates the element with the highest valence number among the options provided (6, 8, 10, 14), we need to understand the concept of valence electrons.

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level or shell of an atom. These electrons are involved in chemical reactions and determine the chemical behavior of an element. The valence number of an element corresponds to the number of valence electrons it has.

To find the highest valence number, we can look at the periodic table. The valence number generally increases as you move from left to right across a period (horizontal row) in the periodic table. It also generally increases as you move down a group (vertical column).

Let's apply this knowledge to the given options:
- Element with atomic number 6: This corresponds to carbon (C). Carbon is located in group 14 of the periodic table. Therefore, it has 4 valence electrons.
- Element with atomic number 8: This corresponds to oxygen (O). Oxygen is located in group 16 of the periodic table. Therefore, it has 6 valence electrons.
- Element with atomic number 10: This corresponds to neon (Ne). Neon is located in group 18 of the periodic table. Therefore, it has 8 valence electrons.
- Element with atomic number 14: This corresponds to silicon (Si). Silicon is located in group 14 of the periodic table. Therefore, it has 4 valence electrons, similar to carbon.

Comparing the options, we find that the element with the highest valence number is oxygen (O), which has 6 valence electrons (option 8).

Therefore, the atomic number 8 indicates the element with the highest valence number among the provided options.