How many valence electrons does germanium have?

 How many valence electrons does germanium have?

Answer:

Germanium  has four valence electrons.

Explanation:

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

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

Again, germanium 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 germanium.

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

The symbol of germanium is Ge and the atomic number of gallium is 32.So,it has thirty two electrons totally.

Now do the electronic configuration of germanium.

Ga(32) =1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p2 

             =[Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2

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

In 4th shell ,we get four valence electrons.So each germanium has four valence electrons.

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