Valence Electrons in Selenium (Se)

Calculate the number of valence electrons in Selenium using its electron configuration step by step.

Enter the atomic number or symbol of any element, and this calculator will calculate its valence electrons with steps.

Valence Electrons in Selenium

Determine the number of valence electrons in Selenium (Se, Element 34)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Selenium

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

[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p4

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Selenium

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Ar] core are the outermost electrons:

3d10 4s2 4p4

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 ConfigurationnOrbitalNumber of Electrons
3d103d10
4s24s2
4p44p4

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 4) are valence electrons.

Answer

Selenium (Se) has 6 (2 + 4) valence electrons.

Lewis Dot for Se