Electron Configuration

Principal Quantum Number (n)
(like what country you’re in…)
- principal energy level
- maximum # of electrons = 2n²
Sublevels (l)
(like what state you’re in)
- each main energy level is broken into sublevel (n = l)
- sublevels are named S, P, D, and F
  Basically, there are a shape (or space) where the electron is most likely to be found within a particular energy level
  - S: spherical
    - electrons found closer to the nuclear because protons and electrons have opposite charges
  - P: figure eight looking; dumbbell/peanut
    - 1 electron per lobe, 3 lobes → hold six electrons
  - D: double figure-eight; closer
  - F: superimpose these to get one f sublevel
Orbitals (m)
(like what city you’re in)
- each sublevel is broken into orbitals
- an orbital is a cloud shape (not an orbit) and can hold 2 electrons each)
  - s has 1 orbital (2 es)
  - p has 3 orbitals (6 es)
  - d has 5 orbitals (10 es)
  - f has 7 orbitals (14 es)
Spin (s)
(like what building you’re in)
- clockwise and counterclockwise (opposite directions)
- represent electrons with arrows, up and down to show opposite spin
each energy level has different numbers of orbitals, and there are certain rules that must be followed when determining an atoms’' electron configuration

Which electrons are involved in chemical reactions and bonding?

The valence electrons = electrons in the highest energy level (n) in the s and p sublevels

Why not the “d” or “f” sublevel?

Once you hit d and f, you’ve already been overlapped by another energy level