Valence Electrons in Rubidium (Rb)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Rubidium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Rubidium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Rubidium (Rb, Element 37)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Rubidium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Rubidium is:
[Kr] 5s1
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Rubidium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
5s1
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5s1 | 5 | s | 1 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Rubidium (Rb) has 1 valence electron(s).
