How many valence electrons does molybdenum have?
it depends, it can either have valence electrons of 6,5,4,3,2.
To determine the number of valence electrons in an atom of molybdenum, you need to look at its position on the periodic table. Molybdenum is an element with atomic number 42, which means it has 42 electrons.
To find the number of valence electrons, you look at the group number (vertical column) in which molybdenum is located. In the periodic table, molybdenum is in Group 6, also known as Group 6B or Group 6A.
Elements in Group 6 have six valence electrons, which is a general rule that applies to most elements in this group. However, there are exceptions, and molybdenum is one of them. Molybdenum has a unique electron configuration, where its valence electrons can be 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2, depending on the chemical reaction it is involved in.
In its most common oxidation state, which is +6, molybdenum has six valence electrons. But it can also form compounds where it has fewer valence electrons, such as in compounds with a +5, +4, +3, or +2 oxidation state.
Therefore, when identifying the number of valence electrons in molybdenum, you need to know the specific context or compound in which it is present.