Writing Configurations
Part of the Atomic Structure section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 26 of 45.
An electron configuration lists each subshell with its electrons as a raised number: nitrogen is 1s² 2s² 2p³ (2 + 2 + 3 = 7).
Write them in filling order, 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d: potassium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s¹.
The short form puts the noble gas before the element in brackets: sodium is [Ne] 3s¹.
Sodium: [Ne] 3s¹
Challenge
Sulfur, with 16 electrons, gives rotten eggs and volcanoes their smell. Write its full electron configuration.
Try it yourself
Electron configurationFill the electrons of S (sulfur)
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Atomic Structure
1Matter and Atoms
What Everything Is Made OfElements, Compounds, MixturesChemical SymbolsCounting Atoms in a FormulaRecap - Molecule Kit