"What if the element Sodium had a density and specific heat capacity very close to your unknown metal sample. Could the sample have been sodium? Why or why not? "
^Question on my post-lab ^
Determined an unknown metal sample was Tin using a coffee cup calorimeter.
If the density and heat capacity are similar to NA, how would I differentiate?

answer:

the answer is 6 valence electrons.

explanation:

valence is the # of electrons on the outer most shell of an atom.

oxygen has 6.

although, the valency of oxygen is 2, because it only needs to make 2 covalent bonds, or gain 2 electrons, to achieve the stable octet configuration of a noble gas.

that's it!

if you need further assistance, let me know: )

~ trueboss72