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 Oxygen

Oxygen is the eighth element with a total of 8 electrons. In writing the electron configuration for oxygen the first two electrons will go in the 1s orbital. Since 1s can only hold two electrons the next 2 electrons for O go in the 2s orbital. The remaining four electrons will go in the 2p orbital. Therefore the O electron configuration will be 1s22s22p4.

Video: Oxygen 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.