Valence Electrons in Xenon (Xe)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Xenon using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Xenon
Determine the number of valence electrons in Xenon (Xe, Element 54)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Xenon
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Xenon is:
[Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p6
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Xenon
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d10 5s2 5p6
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 |
| 5p6 | 5 | p | 6 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Xenon (Xe) has 8 (2 + 6) valence electrons.
