Valence Electrons in Chromium (Cr)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Chromium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Chromium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Chromium (Cr, Element 24)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Chromium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Chromium is:
[Ar] 3d5 4s1
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Chromium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ar] core are the outermost electrons:
3d5 4s1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3d5 | 3 | d | 5 |
| 4s1 | 4 | s | 1 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 4) are valence electrons.
Answer
Chromium (Cr) has 1 valence electron(s).
