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How many p electrons are there in an atom of selenium (Se)?

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Final answer:

There are 6 p electrons in an atom of selenium.

Step-by-step explanation:

The electron configuration of selenium (Se) is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁶4s²3d¹⁰4p⁶. To determine the number of p electrons, we need to look at the highest-numbered shell, which is the n = 4 shell. The p subshell in the n = 4 shell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons. In selenium, all 6 electrons in the 4p subshell are present. Therefore, there are 6 p electrons in an atom of selenium (Se).

User Collin McGuire
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