The electron dot diagram for an unknown element x is shown. what element could this diagram represent? electron-dot structure for an unknown element x with four dots, one on each side a. chlorine b. magnesium c. phosphorus d. silicon e. sulfur

D. silicon

Explanation: The electron dot diagram is a diagram that represents the valence electrons of the element as dots.

A. Chlorine: has atomic number of 17 and has 17 electrons. The electronic configuration is:

Thus it has 7 valence electrons.

B. Magnesium: has atomic number of 12 and has 12 electrons. The electronic configuration is:

Thus it has 2 valence electrons.

C. Phosphorous: has atomic number of 15 and has 15 electrons. The electronic configuration is:

Thus it has 5 valence electrons.

D. Silicon: has atomic number of 14 and has 14 electrons. The electronic configuration is:

Thus it has 4 valence electrons.

E. Sulfur: has atomic number of 16 and has 16 electrons. The electronic configuration is:

Thus it has 6 valence electrons.