Final answer:
The element bismuth (Bi), with an atomic number of 83, has a valence shell electron configuration of 6s2 6p3, indicating that it has five valence electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the number of valence electrons in an element, specifically bismuth (Bi) with an atomic number of 83. In the context of the periodic table, bismuth falls into the p-block, which means its valence electrons are in a p orbital. Bismuth is in group 15 (or V), meaning it has five valence electrons.
Its electron configuration ends in 6s26p3. Therefore, when we're discussing the valence shell electron configuration for bismuth, it would be represented as having two electrons in the 6s orbital and three electrons in the 6p orbital, totaling to five valence electrons.
Boron, another element mentioned, is known to make three covalent bonds, resulting in only six valence electrons around the B atom. A well-known example of a molecule where boron has three covalent bonds is BF3, boron trifluoride.
However, this example is used to illustrate the behavior of boron in chemical compounds, not bismuth. In the case of bismuth (Bi), the question is related to its individual valence electrons, not bonding in compounds.