Valence Electrons in Sodium (Na)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Sodium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Sodium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Sodium (Na, Element 11)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Sodium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Sodium is:
[Ne] 3s1
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Sodium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ne] core are the outermost electrons:
3s1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3s1 | 3 | s | 1 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 3) are valence electrons.
Answer
Sodium (Na) has 1 valence electron(s).
