How Many Valence Electrons Does Molybdenum Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

Molybdenum has six valence electrons. The atomic number of molybdenum is 42, and its electron configuration is 1s22s22p63s23p63d104s24p64d55s1 or 2, 8, 18, 13, 1 electrons per shell. The electrons in the 4d55s1 constitute its valence electrons.

The symbol for molybdenum is Mo. It is classified as a transition metal and placed in group 6 or d-block and period 5 of the periodic table of elements. Its atomic mass is 95.96 grams per mole, and it has a density of 10.2 grams per centimeter cubed. It is a solid at room temperature and melts at 4,753 degrees Fahrenheit. Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Scheele in 1778 and later isolated by Peter Hjelm in 1781.