Valence Electrons in Magnesium (Mg)

Calculate the number of valence electrons in Magnesium 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 Magnesium

Determine the number of valence electrons in Magnesium (Mg, Element 12)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Magnesium

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

[Ne] 3s2

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Magnesium

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

3s2

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
3s23s2

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 3) are valence electrons.

Answer

Magnesium (Mg) has 2 valence electron(s).

Lewis Dot for Mg