What happens to the number of valence electrons as you move down a group on the periodic table?

What happens to the number of valence electrons in atoms of elements as we go down a group of the periodic table?

The number of valence electrons remains the same as we go down a group.

Concept: Study of Specific Groups in Periodic Table

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There are a few things to look out though when trying to figure out the number of valence electrons.

Group 1 elements have one valence electrons, and Group 2 elements have 2 valence electrons. Groups 13-17 have 3,4,5,6 & 7 valence electrons respectively. The noble gases (group 18) have 8 valence electrons except for He which has only 2 valence electrons.

Elements in groups 3-12 are referred to as the transition metals and there are more exceptions to rules for determining valence electrons for these elements.

Here is a video review of Lewis structures and valence electrons.

Hope this helps!

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