Valence Electrons in Samarium (Sm)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Samarium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Samarium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Samarium (Sm, Element 62)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Samarium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Samarium is:
[Xe] 4f6 6s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Samarium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Xe] core are the outermost electrons:
4f6 6s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4f6 | 4 | f | 6 |
| 6s2 | 6 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 6) are valence electrons.
Answer
Samarium (Sm) has 2 valence electron(s).
