Valence Electrons in Antimony (Sb)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Antimony using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Antimony
Determine the number of valence electrons in Antimony (Sb, Element 51)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Antimony
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Antimony is:
[Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p3
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Antimony
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d10 5s2 5p3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4d10 | 4 | d | 10 |
| 5s2 | 5 | s | 2 |
| 5p3 | 5 | p | 3 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Antimony (Sb) has 5 (2 + 3) valence electrons.
