electron configuration

Question 1

s orbitals

Answer 1

spherical in shape, increase in size when moving up in levels, hold 2 electrons per level (1 s orbital per level), level 1+

Question 2

p orbitals

Answer 2

two lobes on either side of the nucleus (figure 8 shape), 6 electrons per level (3 p orbitals per level), level 2+

Question 3

d orbitals

Answer 3

four-leaf clover/cross shape, 10 electrons per level (5 d orbitals per level), level 3+

Question 4

why does 4s2 come before 3d10?

Answer 4

s orbitals require less energy to fill, and only hold 2 electrons, so they fill first. they also empty before 3d10 when the atom is losing electrons