Valence Electrons in Phosphorus (P)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Phosphorus using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Phosphorus
Determine the number of valence electrons in Phosphorus (P, Element 15)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Phosphorus
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Phosphorus is:
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Phosphorus
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in all the atomic orbitals are the outermost electrons:
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 |
|---|
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 0) are valence electrons.
Answer
Phosphorus (P) has 0 valence electron(s).
