Atomic Structure and Electronic Configuration

This page presents a detailed breakdown of atomic structure and electron configuration principles. The atomic core consists of protons and neutrons (collectively called nucleons) within the nucleus, surrounded by electron shells labeled K through P.

Definition: An atom is the most basic form of a chemical element that maintains its properties.

Highlight: The maximum number of electrons in any shell follows the 2n² rule, where n is the shell number.

Example: For the first shell (n=1), maximum electrons = 2(1)² = 2 For the second shell (n=2), maximum electrons = 2(2)² = 8

Vocabulary:

• Electron shells: Principal energy levels where electrons orbit the nucleus
• Valence electrons: Outermost shell electrons involved in chemical bonding
• Atomic number (Z): Equal to the number of protons
• Mass number (A): Sum of protons and neutrons

Quote: "Liczba masowa A = Liczba p+ + liczba nº" (Mass number = Number of protons + Number of neutrons)

The electronic configuration shows both the main shells and subshells (s, p, d, f), with specific electron capacity limits for each. The valence electrons in the outermost shell determine the chemical properties of the element, while the inner shell electrons are considered non-valence electrons.