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Which periodic element can expand its valence shell to accommodate more than eight electrons?

Asked by Marshall_Bailey, Last updated: Apr 06, 2024

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Ken Wilson

Ken Wilson

Want to learn new things and share my knowledge

Ken Wilson
Ken Wilson, Marketing Analyst, MBA, Miami

Answered Nov 27, 2018

Most elements in the periodic table follow the octet rule (that is a shell can have only 8 electrons). However, some elements do not follow this rule. Some of the elements expand their valence shells to accommodate more than eight electrons. Sulphur and phosphorus are common example of this act. Some elements do not have enough electrons to follow the octet rule, example of such is Boron and Nitrogen.

Phosphorus is a highly reactive element that we use in our day to day activity. Helium, carbon and oxygen cannot expand their valence shell to accommodate more than 8 electrons.

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E. Stanley

E. Stanley

E. Stanley
E. Stanley, Technical writer, Indianapolis

Answered Jun 27, 2018

Phosphorus is one of the elements that you can find in the periodic table of elements. This is also the element that has the ability to expand its valence shell. This means that aside from the usual 8 electrons, it can hold more than that. Phosphorus is known to be highly reactive. You use it often but you may not be aware of it.

Every time you use a match, the red area that you use to strike and create fire contains phosphorus. Take note that phosphorus can also be found in certain food products as long as it is natural phosphorus. Some phosphorus can work as additives that will make people crave certain food products more than others.

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Marshall_Bailey

Marshall_Bailey

Marshall_Bailey
Marshall_Bailey

Answered Mar 08, 2018

P
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