Valence Electrons in Argon (Ar)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Argon using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Argon
Determine the number of valence electrons in Argon (Ar, Element 18)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Argon
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Argon is:
[Ne] 3s2 3p6
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Argon
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ne] core are the outermost electrons:
3s2 3p6
Step 3: Use the principle quantum number to identify the valence electrons
Extract the principle quantum number, n, and number of electrons from the electron configuration:
| Electron Configuration | n | Orbital | Number of Electrons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3s2 | 3 | s | 2 |
| 3p6 | 3 | p | 6 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 3) are valence electrons.
Answer
Argon (Ar) has 8 (2 + 6) valence electrons.
