Valence Electrons in Iron (Fe)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Iron using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Iron
Determine the number of valence electrons in Iron (Fe, Element 26)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Iron
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Iron is:
[Ar] 3d6 4s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Iron
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ar] core are the outermost electrons:
3d6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3d6 | 3 | d | 6 |
| 4s2 | 4 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 4) are valence electrons.
Answer
Iron (Fe) has 2 valence electron(s).
