Topic 10 - electron configuration Flashcards
1
Q
how many electrons can you fit in each shell
A
1st shell = 2 electrons, 2nd shell = 8 electrons
3rd shell = 8 electrons
2
Q
where do you look to find out the electron configuration of an element
A
look at its group in the periodic table
3
Q
how do you work the electron configuration out from the periodic table
A
The number of shells is the same as the period of the element
The group number is how many electrons occupy the outer shell
#e.g. sodium is in period 3 so it has 3 shells occupied, the first two shells must be full (2.8). it sin group 1 which mean that it has 1 electron in its outer shell so its electron configuration is - (2.8.1)
