LESSON 1 : ELECTRON THEORY OF ELECTRICITY

This topic discusses the basic structure of an atom and how this
theory relates to electricity (the flow of electrons). Classification of matters
from the standpoint of electrical conductivity such as conductors,
insulators and semiconductors are also discussed.
At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to :
1. Understand the basic structure of the atom and how it is related to
electrical properties of matter.
2. Identify and understand the classifications of matter from the
standpoint of its electrical conductivity and whether conductor,
insulator or semiconductor.

Any matter, whether solid, gas or liquid is composed of atoms and each
atom is made up of fundamental subatomic particles called the protons,
neutrons and electrons. The protons which are positive in charge and the
neutrons are the nucleus of the atoms. All negatively charged electrons
revolve about the positive nucleus (protons and neutrons) in definite orbits
that depend upon certain energy relationships.

As the atom becomes more complex, the positive charge of the nucleus
as well as the negative charge of the electrons is strengthened by
acquiring more protons and electrons while maintaining a structure that is
electrically neutral. The electrons revolve in orbits or shells around the
nucleus at varying distances from the center. Each shell contain a certain
number of electrons except for the outer shell which may not contain its
full quota of particles, the electrons are generally bound to their respective
orbits. It should also be noted that if one electron jumps to an adjacent
shell away from the nucleus or drop into an inner orbit it must respectively
possess a quantum of energy or release a definite quantum of energy.

From the standpoint of electrical conductivity, solid materials may be

classified as conductors, insulators and semiconductors which will depend
on the number of valence electrons. Valence electrons are the electrons
in the outer shell of an atom. In good conductors there are fewer than 4
valence electrons while in poor conductors there are more than 4 valence
electrons and in semi-conductors have exactly 4 valence electrons.
Atomic No = 6
= Number of protons
= Number of electrons
 Atomic No = 47 Atomic No = 29

Electron configuration for Silver which has an atomic no of 47 :

1s22s22p63s23p64s23d104p65s14d10 (See electron configuration chart below)

The number of electrons in the outermost orbital is in the 5s1, therefore

the number of electrons in the outer ring is 1.
Additional reading : Determining the number of electrons in the orbitals of an atom and the
valence electron (number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom)
https://www.sparknotes.com/chemistry/fundamentals/atomicstructure/section2/

PRACTICE TASK :
Determine the electronic configuration of the following
elements and identify whether they are conductors, insulators
of semi-conductors. Determine the atomic number from the
periodic table of elements and show the electronic
configuration of each element.
(a) Nickel
(b) Iron
(c) Germanium

ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION CHART TO DETERMINE

THE NUMBER OF ELECTRONS IN THE ORBITALS
(ENERGY LEVELS) OF AN ATOM