Bismuth is classified as a post-transition metal and holds 5 valence electrons. To find its valence electrons, we can use two methods: first, by finding its position (group) on the periodic table, and second, by using its electron configuration.
Methods
Using periodic table
Get the periodic table having the chemical elements marked on it as mentioned above.
Now mark the location of bismuth on the periodic table.
Next, mark the group number of bismuth on the periodic table.
The valence electrons of each main-group element can be determined by the column in which it is located.
(i.e., all group 1 elements have 1 valence electron, all group 2 elements have 2 valence electrons, skip the transition metals… then, all group 13 elements have 3 valence electrons, all group 14 elements have 4 valence electrons, and so on up to group 18 elements)
Since bismuth is in group 15, it has 5 valence electrons.
Using electron configuration
- First, write electron configuration of bismuth
The electron configuration of bismuth is [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3.
Learn how to find: Bismuth electron configuration
- Second, find highest energy level in electron configuration
In the above electron configuration, the highest energy level (6) is marked with green color.
- Finally, count electrons of that energy level
The 6th energy level contains 6s and 6p subshells. There are 2 electrons in the 6s subshell and 3 electrons in the 6p subshell. So bismuth has a total of 2 + 3 = 5 valence electrons.
Next: Polonium valence electrons
Related
More topics
- Bismuth
- Bismuth Bohr model
- Bismuth electron configuration
- Bismuth orbital diagram
- Bismuth protons neutrons electrons
External links
- https://materials.gelsonluz.com/2019/08/valence-electrons-in-bismuth-bi-facts.html
- https://www.answers.com/chemistry/How_many_valence_electrons_are_in_Bismuth
- https://homework.study.com/explanation/determine-the-number-of-valence-electrons-in-bismuth.html
- https://periodictable.me/tag/how-many-valence-electrons-does-bismuth-have/
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