Question

What is the valence electron configuration for calcium?

Answer 1

Calcium can be found in the 4th energy level (row) of the periodic table, and in the 2nd group (column). The first two groups (columns) of the periodic table represent the 's' orbital group. This means that the electron configuration for calcium must end with `4s^2`. The 4th energy level (row), 's' orbital block, 2nd group (column).

The total electron configuration is:

`1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^6 4s^2` or `[Kr] 4s^2`

The valence electrons are found in the highest energy level of the electron configuration in the 's' and 'p' orbitals.

In the case of calcium this is `4s^2`. This gives calcium an 's' orbital with a pair of electrons in its valence shell.

I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER