Valence Electrons in Scandium (Sc)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Scandium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Scandium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Scandium (Sc, Element 21)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Scandium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Scandium is:
[Ar] 3d1 4s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Scandium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ar] core are the outermost electrons:
3d1 4s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3d1 | 3 | d | 1 |
| 4s2 | 4 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 4) are valence electrons.
Answer
Scandium (Sc) has 2 valence electron(s).
