Question

When full, the innermost electron shell of neon contains ________ electrons, and the outermost shell contains ________ electrons.

A) 2; 2
B) 2; 8
C) 4; 8
D) 8; 8

Answer 1

Neon has 2 electrons in its innermost shell and 8 electrons in the outermost shell, fulfilling the octet rule; the correct answer is B) 2; 8.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is regarding the electronic configuration of neon (Ne), specifically the number of electrons in its innermost and outermost electron shells. Accordingly, when expressing this configuration:

• The innermost electron shell of neon, denoted as the first energy level or 1s orbital, contains 2 electrons.
• The outermost electron shell, which is the second energy level or commonly referred to as the valence shell for neon, contains 8 electrons.

Hence, the correct answer is B) 2; 8, indicating that the innermost electron shell of neon contains 2 electrons, and the outermost shell contains 8 electrons, conforming to the octet rule.