Valence Electrons in Rhodium (Rh)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Rhodium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Rhodium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Rhodium (Rh, Element 45)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Rhodium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Rhodium is:
[Kr] 4d8 5s1
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Rhodium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4d8 | 4 | d | 8 |
| 5s1 | 5 | s | 1 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Rhodium (Rh) has 1 valence electron(s).
