Lesson 5: How electrons are arranged

Question 1

Calcium has an atomic number of 20, how many electrons does it have?

Answer 1

All of calcium’s 20 electrons can NOT fit in one orbit. Therefore, there must be multiple orbits for electrons to occupy

Question 2

How many shells do atoms have where electrons can live?

Answer 2

Shell 1 - 2 electrons
Shell 2 - 8 electrons
Shell 3 - 8 electrons
Shell 4 - whatever is left!

Question 3

When are atoms the happiest>

Answer 3

When they have a full outer shell

Question 4

How can atoms get a full outer shell?

Answer 4

By stealing, sharing, or losing their electrons. When this happens you get a chemical reaction

Question 5

State how many electrons can go into each shell?

Answer 5

1st shell: 1-2 electrons
2nd shell: 3-10
3rd shell: 11-18