Valence Electrons in Californium (Cf)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Californium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Californium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Californium (Cf, Element 98)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Californium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Californium is:
[Rn] 5f10 7s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Californium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Rn] core are the outermost electrons:
5f10 7s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5f10 | 5 | f | 10 |
| 7s2 | 7 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 7) are valence electrons.
Answer
Californium (Cf) has 2 valence electron(s).
