Valence Electrons in Radon (Rn)

Valence Electrons in Radon

Determine the number of valence electrons in Radon (Rn, Element 86)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Radon

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

[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p⁶

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Radon

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 6p⁶

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

Radon (Rn) has 8 (2 + 6) valence electrons.