Valence Electrons in Zirconium (Zr)

Calculate the number of valence electrons in Zirconium 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 Zirconium

Determine the number of valence electrons in Zirconium (Zr, Element 40)

Step 1: Look up the electronic configuration for Zirconium

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

[Kr] 4d2 5s2

Calculate Electronic Configuration for Zirconium

Step 2: Identify the outermost electrons using the electronic configuration

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

4d2 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 ConfigurationnOrbitalNumber of Electrons
4d24d2
5s25s2

The outermost electrons with the largest principal quantum number (in this case, n = 5) are valence electrons.

Answer

Zirconium (Zr) has 2 valence electron(s).

Lewis Dot for Zr