As the atoms of the elements in Group 1 of the Periodic Table are considered from top to bottom, the number of
valence electrons in the atoms of each successive element
a
Ob
decreases
increases
remains the same
Oc

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!

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~ trueboss72