Electron Configurations

Front

What is an electron configuration?

Back

The distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals, indicating how many electrons occupy each energy level and sublevel.

Front

What is the significance of the atomic number?

Back

The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus, which determines the element's identity.

Front

What is a stable valence shell?

Back

A stable valence shell is achieved when an atom has a full outer shell of electrons, typically following the octet rule.

Front

What does it mean for an atom to gain an electron?

Back

When an atom gains an electron, it becomes negatively charged (an anion) due to the increase in the number of electrons compared to protons.

Front

What does it mean for an atom to lose an electron?

Back

When an atom loses an electron, it becomes positively charged (a cation) due to the decrease in the number of electrons compared to protons.

Front

What is the octet rule?

Back

The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full outer shell of eight electrons.

Front

Which element is an example of a noble gas?

Back

Helium is an example of a noble gas, which has a full valence shell and is chemically inert.

Front

What is the charge of a sodium ion (Na+) after losing one electron?

Back

The charge of a sodium ion (Na+) is +1.

Front

What is the charge of a chloride ion (Cl-) after gaining one electron?

Back

The charge of a chloride ion (Cl-) is -1.

Front

How many electrons does magnesium lose to achieve a stable configuration?

Back

Magnesium loses 2 electrons to achieve a stable configuration.