The element with the electronic configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ has 8 valence electrons, which corresponds to the noble gas Neon (Ne).
The electronic configuration given is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶.
To find the number of valence electrons, we look at the highest energy level (principal quantum number 'n') that contains electrons.
In this case, the highest occupied energy level is the '2s' and '2p' orbitals.
Since the '2s' orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons and is full, and the '2p' orbital can hold a maximum of 6 electrons and is also full, the element has a total of 2 (from 2s) + 6 (from 2p) = 8 valence electrons.
This configuration corresponds to the noble gas Neon (Ne), which has a complete octet and is known for its chemical stability.
No further electrons are present in higher energy levels beyond the '2s' and '2p' orbitals for Neon.