Valence Electrons in Cadmium (Cd)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Cadmium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Cadmium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Cadmium (Cd, Element 48)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Cadmium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Cadmium is:
[Kr] 4d10 5s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Cadmium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d10 5s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4d10 | 4 | d | 10 |
| 5s2 | 5 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Cadmium (Cd) has 2 valence electron(s).
