Valence Electrons in Vanadium (V)

Valence Electrons in Vanadium

Determine the number of valence electrons in Vanadium (V, Element 23)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Vanadium

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

[Ar] 3d³ 4s²

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Vanadium

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

3d³ 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:

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

Answer

Vanadium (V) has 2 valence electron(s).