Electron Configurations & the Periodic Table (DP IB Chemistry)
Revision Note
Electron Configurations & the Periodic Table
The electron configuration of any element can be deduced from its position in the periodic table
It is like an 'address' that tells you exactly where an element is found
Using the element germanium as an example to illustrate how it works:
Interpreting the electronic configuration
Deducing the electron configuration of germanium
Germanium is in p block, in group 4 (using the simplify numbering system) and the second element across in period 4
Group 4 tells you there are four valence electrons and period 4 tells you the valence electrons are in the fourth shell
The second position in p block tell you that two electrons are in the p subshell
Similarly, you can deduce the position of an element in the periodic table from its electron configuration:
How to write electronic configuration
Deducing information from the electron configuration of chlorine
Test your understanding in the following example:
Worked Example
Element Z is in period 4 and group 5 of the periodic table. Which statement is correct?
A. Z has 5 occupied energy levels.
B. Z can form ions with 3– charge.
C. Z is a transition element.
D. Z has 4 valence electrons.
Answer:
The correct option is B
A group 5 element can form a 3– ion
5 occupied energy levels would place it in period 5, so A is incorrect
Transition elements would not be found in group 5, so C is also incorrect
4 valence electrons would match an element in group 4, so D must be wrong
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