What does electron configuration tell you about an element?

1 Answer
Apr 14, 2015

It tells you how many electrons there are in each of the different orbitals (s, p, d, or f) and at which energy level (n= 1, 2, 3, ...).

Examples:

1s^(2) -> 2 electrons in the s orbital on first energy level. (this happens to be the electron configuration of helium, He)

[He] 2s^(2) 2p^(5) -> electron configuration of fluorine, F. Here's how you'd break down the configuration

  • 1s^(2), so 2 electrons in the s orbital on 1st energy level - this is the electron configuration of helium;
  • 2s^(2), so 2 electrons in s orbital on 2nd energy level;
  • 2p^(5), so 5 electrons in the p orbital on 2nd energy level

[Ar] 4s^(2) 3d^(2) -> electron configuration of titanium, Ti

  • [Ar] - the electron configuration of argon, Ar
  • 2 electrons in s orbital of 4th energy level
  • 2 electrons in d orbital on 3rd energy level