Lesson 4

Question 1

electron configuration

Answer 1

The organization of electrons around the nucleus of an atom. The electron configuration of an element is determined by the number of electrons it possesses and their position in the energy levels around the atom.

Question 2

orbital

Answer 2

Another name for an energy level; a field that defines the pattern and position in which electrons move about the nucleus of an atom. The outermost orbitals give shape to the atom.

Question 3

energy level

Answer 3

A region surrounding the nucleus of an atom. Electrons move around the nucleus in energy levels. The location and behavior of electrons can be predicted based on these energy levels. Energy levels closer to the nucleus have lower energy than those farther away.

Question 4

electron cloud

Answer 4

The region around the nucleus in which electrons are predicted to be found at any given point. Electron clouds are sometimes represented as orbitals or energy levels. Electron clouds are used to approximate the location and behavior of electrons.

Question 5

valence electron

Answer 5

An electron found in the outermost (usually incompletely filled) orbital of an atom. Every element has a unique number of valance electrons. Valence electrons determine how an element combines with other elements.