How do you find the number of valence electrons in an element?

1 Answer
Aug 16, 2016

What is the element's Group number?

Explanation:

The Group Number of the element normally specifies the number of valence electrons. Group I and Group II elements have 1 and 2 valence electrons respectively; and the Group III metals have 3 valence electrons. The trend is not so apparent with the transition metals in that the #d# electrons behave differently to the #s# and #p# electrons. After the #d# shell is filled elements become oxidizing and accept electrons; again their Group number is a guide.