- Intro to Electron Configurations
- Method 1: Using only the Periodic Table
- Method 2: Using the Electron Config. Chart
Electron Configurations Worksheet- Examples
- Hydrogen (H)
- Helium (He)
- Lithium (Li)
- Beryllium (Be)
- Boron (B)
- Carbon (C)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Oxygen (O)
- Fluorine (F)
- Neon (Ne)
- Sodium (Na)
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Aluminum (Al)
- Silicon (Si)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Sulfur (S)
- Chlorine (Cl)
- Argon (Ar)
- Potassium (K)
- Calcium (Ca)
- Chromium (Cr, Cr2+, Cr3+)
- Copper (Cu, Cu+, Cu2+)
- Iron (Fe, Fe2+, Fe3+)
- Read my article in Science Education based on my dissertation.
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 Lithium
Lithium is the third element with a total of 3 electrons. In writing the electron configuration for lithium the first two electrons will go in the 1s orbital. Since 1s can only hold two electrons the remaining electron for Li goes in the 2s orbital. Therefore the Li electron configuration will be 1s22s1.
Video: Lithium Electron Configuration Notation
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.