Valence Electrons in Potassium (K)

Calculate the number of valence electrons in Potassium using its electron configuration step by step.

Enter the atomic number or symbol of any element, and this calculator will calculate its valence electrons with steps.

Valence Electrons in Potassium

Determine the number of valence electrons in Potassium (K, Element 19)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Potassium

The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Potassium is:

[Ar] 4s1

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Potassium

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ar] core are the outermost electrons:

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 ConfigurationnOrbitalNumber of Electrons
4s14s1

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 4) are valence electrons.

Answer

Potassium (K) has 1 valence electron(s).

Lewis Dot for K