Valence Electrons in Lead (Pb)

Valence Electrons in Lead

Determine the number of valence electrons in Lead (Pb, Element 82)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Lead

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

[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p²

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Lead

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p²

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 = 6) are valence electrons.

Answer

Lead (Pb) has 4 (2 + 2) valence electrons.