Electron Structure
- Electrons in an atom orbit around the nucleus at particular distances, known as energy levels
- A certain number of electrons can occupy each energy level
- For example, only two electrons can orbit in the first energy level
- Only eight electrons can fit in the second energy level, and eight in the third as well
- The higher the energy level, the further the distance of the electron from the nucleus
In this diagram the first two energy levels are full. Electrons further from the nucleus have more energy
- Like moving up a ladder, electrons in higher energy levels have greater potential energy because they have more distance between them and the nucleus
Examiner Tip
If you are studying for your Chemistry GCSE then you will need to know the number of electrons that fit into the different energy levels. They may also be called electron shells.