Valence Electrons in Cobalt (Co)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Cobalt using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Cobalt
Determine the number of valence electrons in Cobalt (Co, Element 27)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Cobalt
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Cobalt is:
[Ar] 3d7 4s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Cobalt
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ar] core are the outermost electrons:
3d7 4s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3d7 | 3 | d | 7 |
| 4s2 | 4 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 4) are valence electrons.
Answer
Cobalt (Co) has 2 valence electron(s).
