Valence Electrons in Rutherfordium (Rf)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Rutherfordium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Rutherfordium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Rutherfordium (Rf, Element 104)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Rutherfordium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Rutherfordium is:
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Rutherfordium
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
Rutherfordium (Rf) has 0 valence electron(s).
