Final answer:
The valence electron configuration for alkaline earth elements is ns2, which includes the two electrons in the outermost s orbital.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general valence electron configuration for the alkaline earth elements is ns2. These elements belong to group 2 of the periodic table and include beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra). Their valence electrons are the two electrons in the outermost s orbital (ns). When these elements form cations, they tend to lose all of their valence electrons, resulting in a 2+ charge and the electronic structure of the noble gas preceding them.