Electron Configuration Vocabulary

Bohr model of the atom

Model of the atom with a positive nucleus and electrons orbiting in energy levels

quantum mechanical model

the modern description, primarily mathematical, of the behavior of electrons in atoms

subshell

A subdivision of an energy level in an atom. They are divided into orbitals.

Orbitals

a region in an atom where there is a high probability of finding electrons

Hund's Rule

electrons occupy orbitals of the same energy in a way that makes the number of electrons with the same spin direction as large as possible

Paulie Exclusion Principle

states that a maximum of two electrons can occupy a single orbital, but only if the electrons have opposite spins

principle quantum number

symbolized by n, indicates the main energy level occupied by the electron

s orbital

1 sphere with 2 electrons

p orbital

3 dumbell shaped with 6 electrons

d orbital

5 clover shaped orbitals with 10 electrons

f orbital

7 daisy shaped orbitals with 14 electrons

ground state electron configuration

the lowest energy arrangement of the electrons for each element

excited state

when an atom absorbs energy, its electrons move to a higher energy level

Anion

A negatively charged ion

Cation

A positively charged ion