Electronic configuration Electron shells are the spaces where electrons orbit. The shells are also called energy levels. • The first shell (the one closest to the nucleus) has space for 2 electrons. • The second shell has space for up to 8 electrons. • The third shell also has space for up 8 electrons. • The electrons fill up the shells from the inner shells out. • Describing the location of electrons in an atom is called the electronic configuration.
Danish scientist Niels Bohr (1885–1962) came up with the idea of electron shells to explain atomic structure. Fig. 16.6 shows the Bohr atomic models for nitrogen and sodium.
Scientists do not draw a model of an atom every time. They use a shorthand version of the electronic configuration showing the number of electrons in each shell, working outwards from the nucleus.
For example, the shorthand versions of nitrogen and sodium are: • nitrogen: N: 2, 5 • sodium: Na: 2, 8, 1
Nitrogen 14
N 7 7 neutrons (14 – 7 = 7)
7 protons 7 electrons
7 N 7 P
There are 7 electrons in total: 2 in the first shell and 5 in the second shell.
Sodium 23
Na 11
12 neutrons (23 – 11 = 12)
11 protons 11 electrons
12 N 11 P
There are 11 electrons in total: 2 in the first shell, 8 in the second shell and 1 in the third shell.
: Fig. 16.6 Bohr models for nitrogen and sodium ? TEST TUBE
9. Models are useful to help explain the structure of an atom. Using materials of your choice, create a model to represent the following: • protons • neutrons • electrons