Atomic Structure: Energy Levels, Sublevels, Orbitals, and Electron Configuration

Energy levels

Main shells around nucleus (n=1, n=2, n=3, n=4)

Sublevels

Divisions within energy levels

Orbitals

Where electrons are found, each maximum 2 electrons

n = 1

1 sublevel, 1 orbital

n = 2

2 sublevels, 4 orbitals

n = 3

3 sublevels, 9 orbitals

n = 4

4 sublevels, 16 orbitals

Electrons by orbital

Each holds 2 electrons with opposite spins

Electrons in sublevel S

2 electrons

Electrons in sublevel P

6 electrons

Electrons in sublevel D

10 electrons

Electrons in sublevel F

14 electrons

Electrons in energy level n = 1

2 electrons

Electrons in energy level n = 2

8 electrons

Electrons in energy level n = 3

18 electrons

Electrons in energy level n = 4

32 electrons

Sublevel S shape

Sphere

Sublevel P shape

Dumbbell

Sublevel D shape

Clover

Valence electrons position

Outermost shell

Valence electrons number for Group 1 & 2

Equal to group number (e.g. group 1 = 1 valence electron)

Valence electrons number for Groups 13-18

Last digit of group number (e.g. group 14 = 4 valence, group 17 = 7 valence)

Core electrons position

All inner shells except for outermost shell

Core electrons number

Total electrons - number of valence electrons