Understanding Electron Orbitals and Configurations

Orbitals describe the probability of finding an electron in a certain area.

Electrons orbit the nucleus like planets orbit the sun.

Orbitals are the paths electrons take around the nucleus.

Electrons are found in fixed positions around the nucleus.

2 electrons

8 electrons

4 electrons

6 electrons

2p1

2s1

1s2

1s1

2 electrons

1 electron

4 electrons

3 electrons

First shell, p subshell

Second shell, p subshell

Second shell, s subshell

First shell, s subshell

1s2 2p2

1s2 2p1

1s2 2s2

1s2 2s1

3 electrons

2 electrons

4 electrons

1 electron

1s2 2s2 2p1

1s2 2s2 2p2

1s2 2p2 2s2

1s2 2p3

To describe the chemical properties of an element.

To indicate the number of protons in an atom.

To show the exact position of each electron.

To simplify the representation of electron configurations.

Neon

Argon

Krypton

Helium