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:
[Ne] 3s2 3p3
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Phosphorus
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ne] core are the outermost electrons:
3s2 3p3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3s2 | 3 | s | 2 |
| 3p3 | 3 | p | 3 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 3) are valence electrons.
Answer
Phosphorus (P) has 5 (2 + 3) valence electrons.
