Valence Electrons in Neon (Ne)

Valence Electrons in Neon

Determine the number of valence electrons in Neon (Ne, Element 10)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Neon

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

[He] 2s² 2p⁶

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Neon

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

2s² 2p⁶

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:

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 2) are valence electrons.

Answer

Neon (Ne) has 8 (2 + 6) valence electrons.