Valence Electrons in Tin (Sn)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Tin using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Tin
Determine the number of valence electrons in Tin (Sn, Element 50)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Tin
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Tin is:
[Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Tin
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d10 5s2 5p2
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 |
| 5p2 | 5 | p | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Tin (Sn) has 4 (2 + 2) valence electrons.
