Valence Electrons in Ruthenium (Ru)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Ruthenium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Ruthenium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Ruthenium (Ru, Element 44)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Ruthenium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Ruthenium is:
[Kr] 4d7 5s1
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Ruthenium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4d7 | 4 | d | 7 |
| 5s1 | 5 | s | 1 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Ruthenium (Ru) has 1 valence electron(s).
