Electron Configuration Review

Front

What is electron configuration?

Back

The distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals, which determines its chemical properties.

Front

What is the significance of noble gases in electron configuration?

Back

Noble gases have full valence shells, making them stable; they are often used as reference points in shorthand electron configurations.

Front

What is the ground state of an atom?

Back

The lowest energy state of an atom, where electrons occupy the lowest available energy levels.

Front

What is an excited state of an atom?

Back

A state where one or more electrons have absorbed energy and moved to higher energy levels.

Front

How do you determine the number of valence electrons in an atom?

Back

By looking at the highest principal energy level and the number of electrons in that level.

Front

What happens when an atom loses a valence electron?

Back

It becomes a positive ion (cation) due to the loss of a negatively charged electron.

Front

What is the electron configuration for Aluminum?

Back

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹

Front

How many unpaired electrons does a neutral Oxygen atom have?

Back

2 unpaired electrons.

Front

What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single orbital?

Back

2 electrons, with opposite spins.

Front

What is the Aufbau principle?

Back

Electrons fill the lowest energy orbitals first before moving to higher energy levels.