Electron Configuration Notation:

-shows the arrangment of electrons around the nucleus of an atom.

- helps chemist understanding how elements form chemical bonds.

- can be written using the period table or an electron configuration chart.

How to Write the Electron Configuration for Chlorine (Cl)

In order to write the Chlorine electron configuration we first need to know the number of electrons for the Cl atom (there are 17 electrons). When we write the configuration we'll put all 17 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Chlorine atom.

In writing the electron configuration for Chlorine the first two electrons will go in the 1s orbital. Since 1s can only hold two electrons the next 2 electrons for Chlorine go in the 2s orbital. The next six electrons will go in the 2p orbital. The p orbital can hold up to six electrons. We'll put six in the 2p orbital and then put the next two electrons in the 3s. Since the 3s if now full we'll move to the 3p where we'll place the remaining five electrons. Therefore the Chlorine electron configuration will be 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p⁵.

The configuration notation provides an easy way for scientists to write and communicate how electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom. This makes it easier to understand and predict how atoms will interact to form chemical bonds.