Electron Arrangements

• Where are electrons found in an atom?

  Electrons are found in energy levels (shells).
• How do the distances of electron energy levels relate to their position in an atom?

  Electrons are at different distances from the nucleus.
• What is the order in which electrons fill energy levels?

  Electrons always fill the level closest to the nucleus first.
• When do electrons start filling a new energy level?

  Electrons start a new level only once the previous level is full.
• How is the layout of the periodic table related to electron arrangements?

  The layout of the periodic table is linked to the number of electrons that can fit in each level.
• What is the maximum number of electrons each energy level can hold?

  1. 1^st level = 2 electrons
  2. 2^nd level = 8 electrons
  3. 3^rd level = 8 electrons
• How can electron levels be represented visually?

  • Diagrams use rings to show levels.
  • 'x' represents electrons.
  • Symbols followed by numbers separated by commas indicate the number of electrons in each level.
• What is the electron arrangement of an Aluminum atom?

  Aluminum has an electron arrangement of 2, 8, 3.
• What happens to an atom's outer shell during a reaction?

  Atoms react to achieve a full outer shell of electrons.
• How do metal atoms typically behave with their outer shell electrons?

  Metal atoms generally lose 1, 2, or 3 electrons from their outer shell.
• What is the electron arrangement of Sodium and what does it lose during a reaction?

  Sodium has an arrangement of 2, 8, 1 and loses 1 electron.
• What charge does Sodium have after losing an electron?

  Sodium has an overall positive charge after losing an electron.
• What happens to non-metal atoms during a reaction?

  Non-metal atoms generally gain electrons to fill their outer shell.
• What is the electron arrangement of Sulfur and how does it change during a reaction?

  Sulfur has an arrangement of 2, 8, 6 and gains 2 electrons to become 2, 8, 8.
• What is the overall charge of an atom that loses electrons?

  An atom that loses electrons has an overall positive charge.
• What is the term for a positively charged ion?

  A positively charged ion is called a cation.
• What ion does Sodium form after losing an electron?

  Sodium forms an Na⁺ ion after losing an electron.
• What happens to an atom that gains electrons?

  An atom that gains electrons has an overall negative charge.
• What is the term for a negatively charged ion?

  A negatively charged ion is called an anion.
• What ion does Sulfur form after gaining two electrons?

  Sulfur forms an S^2- ion after gaining two electrons.
• What is the behavior of non-metals in group 8 during reactions?

  • Non-metals in group 8 have a full outer shell.
  • They do not need to lose or gain electrons.
• What happens if an electron is taken away from an atom?

  If an electron is taken away, the atom becomes positively charged.