2.2.2 Sub-Shells and Energy Levels

Question 1

What is each sub-shell made up of?

Answer 1

One type of atomic orbital only.

Question 2

What order do sub-shell energies increase in within a shell?

Answer 2

S, p, d and f.

Question 3

What is electron configuration?

Answer 3

The arrangement of electrons in an atom or ion.

Question 4

How are the electrons in the shells of an atom arranged?

Answer 4

• Electrons are added, one at a time, to ‘build up’ the atom.
• The lowest available energy level is filled first.
• Each energy level must be full before the next, higher energy level starts to fill.

Question 5

How are orbitals filled in a sub-shell?

Answer 5

Each orbital is filled singly before pairing starts.