Electron arrangement

Question 1

What are energy levels (shells) ?

Answer 1

In atoms electrons are arranged in energy levels (often called shells). These are the areas of space around the nucleus where electrons with a certain energy will be found. Electrons with the lowest energy are found nearest the nucleus and those with higher energy are found in energy levels further from the nucleus.

Question 2

What are the three rules for writing the electron arrangement for the first 20 elements?

Answer 2

1. Start with the lowest (first) energy level outwards.
2. The lowest energy level holds a maximum of two electrons.
3. The energy levels two and three holds a maximum of eight electrons.

Question 3

What page on data booklet are the electron arrangements listed?

Answer 3

The electron arrangement are listed in the data booklet on page six.