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Atomic Structure

Electron Configuration: Writing Configurations for Atoms and Ions

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 1 and 3

Overview

Writing configurations out for atoms and ions, including the chromium and copper exceptions.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Write the electron configuration of a sodium atom (atomic number 11).

Key term

Write the electron configuration of an iron atom (atomic number 26).

Key term

Write the electron configuration of a copper atom (atomic number 29).

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Write the electron configuration of a sodium atom (atomic number 11).

    Model answer

    1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹

  2. 2

    Write the electron configuration of an iron atom (atomic number 26).

    Model answer

    1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁶ 4s²

  3. 3

    Write the electron configuration of a copper atom (atomic number 29).

    Model answer

    1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s¹

  4. 4

    Write the electron configuration of a chromium atom (atomic number 24).

    Model answer

    1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁵ 4s¹

  5. 5

    Why does chromium have an unusual electron configuration compared to other elements in Period 4?

    Model answer

    A half-filled 3d sub-shell (3d⁵) provides extra stability, so one 4s electron is promoted to the 3d sub-shell

  6. 6

    Why does copper have an unusual electron configuration compared to other elements in Period 4?

    Model answer

    A completely filled 3d sub-shell (3d¹⁰) provides extra stability, so one 4s electron is promoted to the 3d sub-shell

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Atomic Structure
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AOxidation is the loss of electrons.
BReduction is the gain of electrons.
CAn oxidising agent is an electron acceptor.

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