How many valence electrons does potassium have?

Solution:

Potassium has one valence electron.

Explanation:

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

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

Potassium is an element of group 1A.Now just consider the unit place digit from group number.You are getting 1 which is equal to the number of valence electrons in potassium.

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

The symbol of potassium is K and the atomic number of potassium is 19.So,it has nineteen electrons totally.

Now do the electronic configuration of potassium.

K(19) =1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1

             =[Ar] 4s1

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 4.So,the valence shell is the 4th shell or energy level.

In 4th shell ,we get one valence electron.So each potassium has one valence electron.

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