Valence Electrons in Uranium (U)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Uranium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Uranium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Uranium (U, Element 92)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Uranium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Uranium is:
[Rn] 5f3 6d1 7s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Uranium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Rn] core are the outermost electrons:
5f3 6d1 7s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5f3 | 5 | f | 3 |
| 6d1 | 6 | d | 1 |
| 7s2 | 7 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 7) are valence electrons.
Answer
Uranium (U) has 2 valence electron(s).
