Valence Electrons in Yttrium (Y)
Calculate the number of valence electrons in Yttrium using its electron configuration step by step.
Valence Electrons in Yttrium
Determine the number of valence electrons in Yttrium (Y, Element 39)
Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Yttrium
The abbreviated (condensed) ground electronic configuration for Yttrium is:
[Kr] 4d1 5s2
Calculate Electronic Configuration for Yttrium
Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration
Electrons in atomic orbitals outside the [Kr] core are the outermost electrons:
4d1 5s2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4d1 | 4 | d | 1 |
| 5s2 | 5 | s | 2 |
The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.
Answer
Yttrium (Y) has 2 valence electron(s).
