Unit 7- Inside the Atom

Time Frame 3 weeks

Competencies
C1. Appreciate the contributions of early scientists in the development of atomic theory.
C2. Gain understanding of the structure of the atom

VALENCE ELECTRONS

Time Frame 2 sessions

I. Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, the students must be able to:
1. Describe the reactivity of an atom in terms of its valence electrons; and
2. Determine the number of valence electrons of different elements, given their
atomic number.

II. Subject Matter

A. Topic: Valence Electron

B. References
1.Department of Education, Culture and Sports. (1991). Science and
Technology III. Quezon City: Book Media Press, pp. 66,69, 77.
2.Brown, Theodore l., LeMay, H. Eugene Jr., and Bursten, Bruse E., Chemistry
the Central Science, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2000, pp. 353-356.

B. Materials
Concept Strips

III. Learning Tasks

A. Recall and Motivation
Recall the lesson describing electrons in definite energy levels

B. Lesson Proper
1. Activity: Exercises
Given the following atoms:
Potassium
Beryllium gallium
Sodium
Sulphur
Chlorine
 a. Determine the number of valence electrons in the atom

b. Distribute the valence electron around the nucleus by using dots in any
order.

2. Discussion / Concept Formation

a. Which electrons are most easily affected when an element is sufficiently
heated?
b. Where are the valence electrons found in an atom?

C. Generalization
1. When an element is heated sufficiently, its electrons absorb energy and
may jump to higher energy levels; the electrons most readily affected by
heat are the valence electrons. If the energy absorbed by an electron is
high enough, it can be completely separated from the atom. The atom
becomes ionized.
2. Take calcium as an example. Its electronic configuration can be written as:

Calcium has two electrons in the outermost shell. This electron is farthest
from the pull of the nucleus; it is easiest to remove. If this electron absorbs
sufficient energy it can be separated from the rest of the atom.

D. Evaluation
1. Write the electron configuration of sulphur whose atomic number is 16.
2. How many valence electrons does sulphur have?
E. Agreement
Read on the periodic table.