Valence Electrons in Boron (B)

Valence Electrons in Boron

Determine the number of valence electrons in Boron (B, Element 5)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Boron

The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Boron is:

[He] 2s² 2p¹

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Boron

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [He] core are the outermost electrons:

2s² 2p¹

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:

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 2) are valence electrons.

Answer

Boron (B) has 3 (2 + 1) valence electrons.