Do the letters s,p,d,f refer to valence electrons which an atom has available for bonding?
valence electrons
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No, these are azimuthal quantum numbers (l). The range of "l" possible for a given principal quantum number "n" is l=0-(n-1). While each subshell (s,p,d,f) can hold a different amount of electrons, these are not necessarily your valence electrons. Valence electrons are the ones in the outermost energy level 👎.
For example, let's look at, say, nitrogen. You should learn the periodic table "trick" for determining electron configuration if you haven't already. For nitrogen, the configuration is 1s^2 2s^2 2p^3. Let's break this down.
1. n=2 as it is the highest energy level
2. Possible values for l = 0-(n-1) = 0-1 where l=0 is s and l=1 is p. Both are present with nitrogen.
3. Valence electrons are those in the highest energy level which is 2 here. Count them up 2+3=5. (You should also know the periodic table "trick" for this too.)
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