6: Electron Configuration, Dot Notation, Energy Levels, Spdf, Valence Electrons

Question 0

What is electron configuration?

Answer 0

The distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule (or other physical structure) in atomic or molecular orbitals. For example, the electron configuration of the neon atom is 1s2, 2s2, 2p6.

Question 1

What is the electron rule?

Answer 1

If N = energy level
N = orbital types
N^2 = total orbitals
2N^2 = total electrons

Question 2

How do you determine the dot notation of an element?

Answer 2

First find the valence electrons (what column is it in?)  Each side gets an electron before any side gets a second electron.
                     8 5
                   7 \/ 1
                   4 /\ 2
                     6 3