deducing the electron configuration

Question 1

Elements can be classified as an s-block element, p-block element and so on, based on the position of the outermost electron:

Answer 1

s block elements
Have their valence electron(s) in an s orbital
p block elements
Have their valence electron(s) in a p orbital
d block elements
Have their valence electron(s) in a d orbital
f block elements
Have their valence electron(s) in an f orbital

Question 2

The principal quantum shells increase in energy with increasing

Answer 2

principal quantum number
E.g. n = 4 is higher in energy than n = 2

Question 3

The subshells increase in energy as follows: s ＜ p ＜ d ＜ f
The only exception to these rules is the

Answer 3

3d orbital which has slightly higher energy than the 4s orbital
Because of this, the 4s orbital is filled before the 3d orbital

Question 4

All the orbitals in the same subshell have the same energy and are said to be .

Answer 4

degenerate
E.g. px, py and pz are all equal in energy

Question 5

How do you write the electron configuration shorthand

Answer 5

The shorthand electron configuration includes using the symbol of the nearest preceding noble gas then write the electrons to the element after that noble gas

Question 6

Negative ions are formed by ………. electrons to the outer subshell

Positive ions are formed by ……….. electrons from the outer subshell

Answer 6

adding

removing

Question 7

The transition metals fill the 4s subshell before the ….. subshell but lose electrons from the …. first and not from the … subshell (the 4s subshell is lower in energy

Answer 7

3d

4sis lower in energy easier to remove

3d

Question 8

Electrons with similar spin repel each other which is also called spin-pair repulsion

Electrons will therefore occupy ……… orbitals in the same subshell where possible, to minimize this repulsion and have their spin in the same direction

Answer 8

separate

Question 9

Electrons are only paired when there are no more

Answer 9

empty orbitals available within a subshell, in which case the spins are the opposite spins to minimize repulsion

Question 10

How do you represent electrons on spin diagrams

Answer 10

arrows pointing up and down