How many valence electrons do alkaline-earth metal atoms have?

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A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — alkaline-earth metal Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Alkaline-earth metal atoms have two valence electrons. These electrons are located in the outermost s orbital of the atom. Because of this electronic structure, the chemistry of these elements is primarily characterized by the loss of these two electrons to form doubly charged M $^{2 +}$ ions.1