Electron configuration

Question 1

Electron shells and arrangement

Answer 1

• Electrons are arranged in shells (energy levels)

1. shell: 2 electrons,
2. shell: 8,
3. Shell: 8,
4. Shell: 2,
   2,8,8,2

The Low energy electrons are closest to the nucleus
The first shell (1) is lowest in energy, 2nd level next and so on 1<2<3<4

Question 2

how to Identifying Elements by Electron Configuration.

Answer 2

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Question 3

Writing Electron Configurations

Answer 3

Lists electrons in each shell.

eg. Total number of electrons for carbon = 6
Electron configuration = 2, 4

Question 4

Matching Ion Configurations to Noble Gas:

Answer 4

Ions Achieve Stability:

• Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons to attain a stable electron configuration.

Matching Noble Gas Configuration:

• Ions aim to match the electron configuration of the nearest noble gas.

Example with Sodium (Na):

• Sodium (Na) has one electron in its outer shell.
  By losing this electron, it forms the Na⁺ ion, which then has the same electron configuration as neon (Ne).

So, in short, ions achieve stability by adjusting their electron count to match the nearest noble gas configuration.

Question 5

Flame tests and the colours of metal ion

Answer 5

An electron absorbs energy to “jump” to a higher energy, less stable level.
When an electron falls to a lower energy, more stable level, energy is emitted as coloured light.

Flame tests involve heating metal ions to observe the characteristic color emitted by the electrons transitioning between energy levels. Each metal ion emits a unique color due to its specific electron configuration.

Lithium= red
sodium= Yellow
copper= blue

The colors observed during the flame test result from the excitement of the electrons caused by the increased temperature. The electrons “jump” from their ground state to a higher energy level. As they return to their ground state, they emit visible light

Question 6

Be able to draw electron shell diagrams for atoms and ions of those atoms

Question 7

Explain why the outer shell (valence shell) electrons are important

Answer 7

they determine an atom’s chemical properties and how it interacts with other atoms to form compounds.

Question 8

Relating Number of Valence Electrons to Group Number on the Periodic Table:

Answer 8

The group number on the periodic table indicates the number of valence electrons for elements in that group. For example, elements in Group 1 (alkali metals) have 1 valence electron, and elements in Group 18 (noble gases) have 8 valence electrons except for helium, which has 2.