calculate the atomic number of an element whose neutral atom has four electrons in its valence shell and its valence shell is the m shell

The atomic number of the atom is 14.

Explanation:

The following data were obtained from the question:

Valence electrons = 4

Atomic number =.?

From the question given, we were told that the valence electron is in the m shell. Thus, we can say:

M shell = 4 electrons

The number of shells of the atom can be written in the order K, L, M with M as the last shell because we were told that the valence electrons i.e electrons in the outer shell is located at the M shell.

From a detailed knowledge of atom,

K shell = 1st shell

L shell = 2nd shell

M shell = 3rd shell

The first shell, K of an atom can only accommodate 2 electrons while others can accommodate a maximum of 8 electrons.

Note: we can only put electrons in another shell if a shell is already having 8 electrons. This rule only applies to the 2nd shell and above.

Thus, the atom in question has the following electrons:

K shell = 1st shell = 2 electrons

L shell = 2nd shell = 8 electrons

M shell = 3rd shell = 4 electrons

To get the atomic number of the atoms, we simply add all the electrons together.

This is illustrated below:

Atomic number = 2 + 8 + 4

Atomic number = 14

Therefore, the atomic number of the atom is 14.