Question

The valence electrons in Beryllium (atomic no= 4) experience lower net attraction to the nucleus compared to those of Oxygen (atomic no= 8) though both the atoms have same number of shells. Explain

Answer 1

The valence electrons in Be experience lower net attraction than those of oxygen due to lower nuclear charge in the case of Be.

• The electronic configuration of Be is 1s²2s², whereas that of O is 1s²2s²2p⁴.
• Hence, Be has 4 protons in the nucleus while oxygen has 8 protons.
• So, even though both have electrons in the second shell, the 8 protons of oxygen pull it's valence electrons more prominently than the 4 protons of Be.

Answer 2

Answer:

Explanation:

Atomic number of Beryllium = 4

Electronic configuration = (2, 2)

Atomic number of Oxygen = 8

Electronic configuration = (2, 6)

Valency of Beryllium is 2,

Valency of Oxygen is = 8 ‒ 6 = 2