Valence Electrons in Carbon (C)

Calculate the number of valence electrons in Carbon using its electron configuration step by step.

Enter the atomic number or symbol of any element, and this calculator will calculate its valence electrons with steps.

Valence Electrons in Carbon

Determine the number of valence electrons in Carbon (C, Element 6)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Carbon

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

[He] 2s2 2p2

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Carbon

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

2s2 2p2

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 ConfigurationnOrbitalNumber of Electrons
2s22s2
2p22p2

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

Answer

Carbon (C) has 4 (2 + 2) valence electrons.

Lewis Dot for C