Valence Electrons in Ytterbium (Yb)

Calculate the number of valence electrons in Ytterbium using its electron configuration step by step.

Enter the atomic number or symbol of any element, and this calculator will calculate its valence electrons with steps.

Valence Electrons in Ytterbium

Determine the number of valence electrons in Ytterbium (Yb, Element 70)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Ytterbium

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

[Xe] 4f14 6s2

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Ytterbium

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

4f14 6s2

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 ConfigurationnOrbitalNumber of Electrons
4f144f14
6s26s2

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 6) are valence electrons.

Answer

Ytterbium (Yb) has 2 valence electron(s).

Lewis Dot for Yb