How many valence electrons does tin have?

  How many valence electrons does tin have?

Answer:

Tin has four valence electrons.

Explanation:

To find out the number of valence electrons in a tin atom,we need to look at the periodic table.

The position of tin in the periodic table is in group IVA.For main group elements,valence electrons are equal to the group number.So,tin atom has four valence electrons in its valence shell or outermost energy level.

Again, tin is an element of group 14.Now just consider the unit place digit from group number.You are getting 4 which is equal to the number of valence electrons in tin.

Here is the another way to find out the valence electrons of tin.

The symbol of tin is In and the atomic number of tin is 50.So,it has fifty  electrons totally.

Now write the electronic configuration of tin.

Sn(50) =1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p2

=[Kr]4d10 5s2 5p2

             

[Tip: Complete filled d orbital is not considered as part of  valence shell or energy level]

The valence shell is the outermost shell and the electrons that are present in valence shell is called valence electrons.

The valence shell or energy level can be identified by the highest value of principal quantum number,n.Here the highest value of n is 5.So,the valence shell is the 5th shell or energy level.

In 5th shell ,we get four valence electrons.So each tin has four valence electrons.

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