Senior High School

General Chemistry 1
2nd Semester
Module 6.2 Q3, Week 6
ELECTRON CONFIGURATION OF ATOMS
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 Senior High School

General Chemistry 1
2nd Semester
Module 6.2 Q2 Week 6
Electron Configuration of Atoms

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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to General Chemistry 1 Self-Learning Module on the topic Electron
Configuration of Atoms.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by
educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum
while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.
This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims
to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration
their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of the
module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that will help

you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the learner:
Welcome to the Chemistry 1 Self-Learning Module on the topic Electron
Configuration of Atoms.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled
to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.

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This module has the following parts:

Activity : This will bring understanding to what you already know

and experience to what you should learn further.

Analysis : In this phase, you will process and classify what is valid
and not for a more in-depth understanding.

Abstraction : This part leads you in reinforcing what you know and
should know more. Exercises are presented for
independent practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic.

Application : This stage brings you to a more practical way that you are
going to use what you have learned and think new ways
on how it can be improved further.

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 CONTENTS OF THE MODULE
Page
Content Standard 2
Performance Standard 2
Learning Competency 2
Learning Objectives 2

DAILY LEARNING TASK:

Day Learning Task

1 Introduction 2
Pre-Test 3
2 Review of the Previous Module 5
Presentation of the Module 6
3 Activity 8
Analysis 8
Abstraction 9
Application 10
Reflect 10
Glossary 13
References 14
Answer Key 15

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CONTENT STANDARD
The learners demonstrate an understanding of the quantum mechanical
description of the atom and its electronic structure.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The learners illustrate the reactions at the molecular level in any of the
following:
1. Enzyme action
2. Protein denaturation
3. Separation of components in coconut milk

LEARNING COMPETENCIES
Determine the magnetic property of the atom based on its electronic configuration
(STEM_GC11ESIIa-b-57), and draw an orbital diagram to represent the electronic
configuration of atoms (STEM_GC11ESIIa-b58).
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:
1. Write the electron configuration of an atom using the conventional method.
2. Determine magnetic properties of an atom based on its electronic configuration.
3. Determine valence configuration and valence electrons.
INTRODUCTION
Apparently, each electron in an atom has a specific set of quantum numbers. How
these electrons are distributed among the orbitals in an atom is given by the electron
configuration. The arrangement of electrons about an atom is related to the energies
of the electrons.
Hence, in this module, the learners are expected to explore and comprehend how
these electrons are distributed in a so-called electron configuration. They will also be
able to show in an orbital diagram the arrangement of electrons described by the
energies and magnetic property.

PRE-TEST
Direction: Read each item carefully and answer what is required by
choosing the best answer from the choices.
1. How many electrons are there in the third shell (principal energy level) of the atom
with atomic number 23?
A. 10 B. 11 C. 13 D. 8
2. Which of the following is the correct order for electrons filling in orbitals?
A. 4s, 3d, 4p, 4d
B. 3p, 4s, 3d, 5s
C. 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d
D. 1s, 2s, 2p, 2d
3. The number of electrons in the highest energy level of 20 Ca is ____.
A. 6 B. 8 C. 2 D. 4

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 4. Which electron configuration represents a neutral atom of nitrogen in an excited
state?
A. 1s2 2s1 2p4 B. 1s2 2s2 2p4 C. 1s2 2s2 2p3 D. 1s2 2s1 2p5
5. Which electron configuration represents an atom in a strong>excited state?
A. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 4p1 C. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
B. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d1 D. 1s2 2s2 2p6
6. A lithium atom has an atomic number of 3 and a mass of 7 a.m.u. The number of
electrons which it has in the second shell (principal energy level) is ______.
A. 3 B. 1 C. 4 D. 5
7. The proper order of increasing energy sublevels is _____.
A. 3d, 4p, 4s B. 3d, 3p, 4s C. 3d, 4s, 4p D. 4s, 3d, 4p
8. The characteristic light spectrum of an element is produced when _____.
A. electrons are emitted by an atom
B. electrons drop back to lower energy levels
C. the energy level of the nucleus is increased
D. electrons are raised to higher energy levels
9. According to the quantum theory of light, the separate packets of energy by which
the light waves travel are called _______.
A. photons B. ions C. protons D. neutron
10. An element such as neon can sometimes give off light because ______.
A. its atoms all have positive charges
B. its electrons gain energy and give off light as they move to a higher energy level
C. it is radioactive
D. its electrons gain energy and give off light as they fall back to a lower level
11. The relationship between the energy of an electron and the electron’s distance
from the nucleus is basically ____.
A. the greater the energy the closer the electron is to the nucleus
B. electrons of all energies remain the same distance away from the nucleus
C. the distance of the electron from the nucleus is unrelated to the electron’s energy
D. the greater the energy the farther the electron is from the nucleus
12. Choose the electron arrangement that is possible.
A. 8 electrons in Level 1 and 2 electrons in Level 2.
B. 8 electrons in Level 1 and 8 electrons in Level 2.
C. 1 electron in Level 1 and 8 electrons in Level 2.
D. 2 electrons in Level 1 and 8 electrons in Level 2
13. Identify the element with the electron configuration 3s2 3px2 3py2 for its last energy
level.
A. None of these B. Si C. Se D. S
14. Oxygen (atomic number 8) has how many electrons in the second principal
energy level?
A. 6 B. 2 C. 8 D. 7
15. Which electron transition is accompanied by a release of energy?
A. 4px to 4 pz B. 3p to 3s C. 2s to 2p D. 1s to 2s

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REVIEW ACTIVITY
In the previous module, you learn how the atom looks like in a quantum mechanical
sense. More so, are able to calculate and determine the possible values for each set
or class of quantum numbers using the Schrödinger mathematical equation.
Before moving on to the next learning-lesson, you may check your mastery of
the previous lesson by answering the following essential questions.

Review questions:
Direction: Answer the questions and show solution as needed.

1. Suppose that all you know about a certain electron is that its principal quantum
number is 3. What are the possible values for the other four quantum numbers?
2. Is it possible to have an electron with these quantum numbers: n=2, l=1, ml=3,
m s =1/2? Why or why not?

PRESENTATION OF THE MODULE

The Electron Configuration of Atom

Electron configurations have the format: 1s2 2s2 2p6.The first number is the
principal quantum number (n) and the letter represents the value of l (angular
momentum quantum number; 1 = s, 2 = p, 3 = d and 4 = f) for the orbital, and the
superscript number tells you how many electrons are in that orbital. Orbital diagrams
use the same basic format, but instead of numbers for the electrons, they use ↑ and ↓
arrows, as well as giving each orbital its own line, to represent the spins of the
electrons too.

Before going any further……Let us evaluate first what you know.

Activity: About Electron Configuration

1. Following the orbital diagram or the mnemonic pattern for electronic

configuration above and with the aid of your periodic table of elements for
your need of atomic number; show the distribution of electrons for the
following:
A. Ca

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 B. Na
C. Cl
2. What is meant by the electronic configuration of an element?

ANALYSIS
In filling the electrons in an orbital diagram, it was noted that it has to follow a
certain rule. The rule is to start at the beginning of each arrow, and then follow it all of
the way to the end, filling in the sublevels that it passes through. In other words, the
order for filling in the sublevels becomes; 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s,
4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d, 7p so on and so forth.
Direction: In each of the following statements, you are given a pair of elements and
important information about each. Use this information to determine if the pair of
elements is isotope or different elements. Indicate your answer in the space provided.

REFLECTION

The Intention to learn makes one be excited to the next energy level of
knowledge.
ABSTRACTION
The Electron Configuration

Electron Configuration; what is it?

Generally, it describes how electrons are distributed in an orbital. The distribution
of electrons must follow a standard notation which was based on the set of quantum
numbers calculated mathematically using the Schrodinger Equation. In which all
electron-containing atomic subshells (with the number of electrons they hold written in
superscript) are placed in a sequence. For example, the electron configuration of
sodium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1 until all the electrons are distributed based on the atomic
number of the atom. In short, electron distribution has parts; these are the Energy
level - a number 1, 2, 3, and so on, Sublevel (orbital) - a letter, either s, p, d, or
f, Number of electrons - a superscript number.
.

Energy level 1s2 number of electrons

orbital

This is how the electron configuration is represented. Take note that in a neutral
atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. Thus, the number of
electrons in an atom is equal to its atomic number and is the basis as to how many

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electrons are to be distributed in a so-called electron configuration of the atom. Be it
also reminded, that in the distribution of electrons, every orbital can only hold a
maximum of two (2) electrons.

Writing Electron Configuration

Basically, how electrons can be distributed or arranged in an orbital is defined by the

three laws:

1. The Aufbau Principle which is also known as the building up principle- states that
electrons must occupy first the orbital with the lower energies than those of
higher energies. All orbitals of the same levels are of equal energy. For example
the three p orbitals; these three (p x , p y , p z ) are of equal energy.
Accordingly, electrons are filled in the following order: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s,
3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d, 7p…

2. Pauli Exclusion Principle- states that there only be a maximum of two electrons
that can occupy an orbital at opposite spins. These spins are called “spin up” and
“spin down”.

Example: He , 1s2 - the orbital filling is ↑↓

1s2
Consider this:

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3. Hund’s Rule – states that in filling the orbitals with electrons there must be
singling first before pairing. That means, electrons must be placed into the
orbitals in such a way that no pairs are put together unless absolutely necessary
Example: 1s2 2s2 2p3 the orbital filling will be: ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓ ↑_ ↑_ ↑_
2 2
1s 2s 2p3

Noticeably, in the p subshell which has 3 orbitals, there are unpaired electrons.
This is so because the 3 electrons available in 2p subshell are just enough for the
three orbitals of p and according to the Hund’s Rule there must be singling first then
follows pairing. If there are still electrons available for the orbitals indicated, then
pairing is possible.

Basically, the distributions of orbitals can be laid out in the following fashion (read
from the bottom up):

__ __ __ __ __ 6d
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5f
__ 7s

__ __ __ 6p
__ __ __ __ __ 5d
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4f
__ 6s

__ __ __ 5p
_ _ _ _ _ 4d
__ 5s

__ __ __ 4p
__ __ __ __ __ 3d
__ 4s

__ __ __ 3p
__ 3s

__ __ __ 2p
__ 2s

__ 1s

The bottom energy level is level 1 - it has the lowest energy. Each "__" represents
an orbital. You can see that there is 1 orbital for an s subshell. There are 3 orbitals for

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a p subshell, 5 for a d, and 7 for an f subshell. Each orbital can hold 2 electrons.
Therefore, the s subshell can hold 2 electrons; the p can hold 6; the d can hold 10;
and the f can hold 14. And thus, the first energy level can hold 2 electrons (1s = 2),
the second energy level can hold 8 electrons (2s2p = 2 + 6), the third energy level can
hold 18 electrons (3s3p3d = 2 + 6 + 10), and the forth energy level can hold 32
(4s4p4d4f = 2 + 6 + 10 + 14). The sequence goes on until all the electrons in an atom
have been assigned to orbitals in an electron configuration.
The outermost energy level of an atom is called its valence shell, and the electrons
occupying these shells are called valence electrons. For atoms with many electrons,
the difference in energies of the higher energy levels is very small that the orbitals
overlap. Such overlaps begin to appear between energy levels 3 and 4 (4s first before
3d).
The most stable state of an atom is called its ground state. In this condition, the
electrons have the lowest possible energies. However, atoms may be excited by
heating it, or it acquires energy such that electrons jump to higher energy level called
excited state. But this electron does not permanently stay in the excited state, at some
point it will release its gained energy and go back to original level. At this point, the
atom thus emits light (atomic spectra).

How important is electron configuration?

Electron Configurations are useful for:
• Determining the valency of an element.
• Predicting the properties of a group of elements (elements with similar electron
configurations tend to exhibit similar properties).
• Interpreting atomic spectra.
APPLICATION
After having grasped the concept and acquired the knowledge, you are now ready
to apply your understanding.
Direction: Write the electron configuration of the following atoms/elements. Identify
valence shell/s and valence electrons.
1. Krypton (Kr) –
2. Xenon (Xe) –
3. Radon (Rn) _
4. Bromine (Br) _

POST TEST
Direction: Read each item carefully and answer what is required by
choosing the best answer from the choices.

1. Identify the element with the electron configuration 3s2 3px2 3py2 for its last energy
level.

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 A. None of these B. Si C. Se D. S
2. Oxygen (atomic number 8) has how many electrons in the second principal energy
level?
A. 6 B. 2 C. 8 D. 7
3. Which electron transition is accompanied by a release of energy?
A. 4px to 4 pz B. 3p to 3s C. 2s to 2p D. 1s to 2s
4. An element such as neon can sometimes give off light because ______.
A. its atoms all have positive charges
B. its electrons gain energy and give off light as they move to a higher energy
level
C. it is radioactive
D. its electrons gain energy and give off light as they fall back to a lower level
5. The relationship between the energy of an electron and the electron’s distance
from the nucleus is basically ____.
A. the greater the energy the closer the electron is to the nucleus
B. electrons of all energies remain the same distance away from the nucleus
C. the distance of the electron from the nucleus is unrelated to the electron’s energy
D. the greater the energy the farther the electron is from the nucleus
6. Choose the electron arrangement that is possible.
A. 8 electrons in Level 1 and 2 electrons in Level 2.
B. 8 electrons in Level 1 and 8 electrons in Level 2.
C. 1 electron in Level 1 and 8 electrons in Level 2.
D. 2 electrons in Level 1 and 8 electrons in Level 2
7. How many electrons are there in the third shell (principal energy level) of the atom
with atomic number 23?
A. 10 B. 11 C. 13 D. 8
8. Which of the following is the correct order for electrons filling in orbitals?
A. 4s, 3d, 4p, 4d
B. 3p, 4s, 3d, 5s
C. 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d
D. 1s, 2s, 2p, 2d
9. The number of electrons in the highest energy level of 20 Ca is ____.
A. 6 B. 8 C. 2 D. 4
10. Which electron configuration represents a neutral atom of nitrogen in an excited
state?
A. 1s2 2s1 2p4 B. 1s2 2s2 2p4 C. 1s2 2s2 2p3 D. 1s2 2s1 2p5
11. Which electron configuration represents an atom in an strong>excited state?
A. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 4p1 C. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
B. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d1 D. 1s2 2s2 2p6
12. A lithium atom has an atomic number of 3 and a mass of 7 a.m.u. The number of
electrons which it has in the second shell (principal energy level) is ______.
A. 3 B. 1 C. 4 D. 5
13. The proper order of increasing energy sublevels is _____.
A. 3d, 4p, 4s B. 3d, 3p, 4s C. 3d, 4s, 4p D. 4s, 3d, 4p

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 14. The characteristic light spectrum of an element is produced when _____.
A. electrons are emitted by an atom
B. electrons drop back to lower energy levels
C. the energy level of the nucleus is increased
D. electrons are raised to higher energy levels
15. According to the quantum theory of light, the separate packets of energy by which
the light waves travel are called _______.
A. photons B. ions C. protons D. neutron

You did well. Congratulations!

GLOSARY
Ground state - The ground state of an atomic nucleus, atom, or molecule is its
lowest energy state.
Excited state - After absorbing energy, it may jump from the ground state to a
higher energy level, called an excited state.

REFERENCES
Books:

Lincuanan, P. B et al. Teaching Guide for Senior High School, General Chemistry 1,
Published by the Commission on Higher Education, 2016 in collaboration with
Philippine Normal University

Bayquen, A. V, & Peña, G. T (2016). Exploring Life Through Science, General

Chemistry 1, Phoenix Publishing House.

Mapa, A. & Trinidad, F.(2001). Science and Technology, Chemistry Textbook. SD

Publications Incorporated.

ANSWER KEY

Pretest
1. B 6. B 11. D
2. C 7. D 12. D
3. C 8.B 13. D
4. A 9. A 14. A
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5. C 10.D 15. B
Review Questions

1. When n=3, l=0, ml=0, and ms=+1/2 or −1/2

l=1, ml=−1,0,or+1ml=−1, and ms=+1/2 or −1/2
l=2, ml=−2,−1,0,1, or +2 and ms=+1/2 or −1/2
2. No, it is not possible. ml=3 is not in the range of −l to +l. The value should be
be either -1, 0, or +1.
Activity
1. A. Ca-Calcium has an electron configuration of 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p6, 4s2.
B. Na – Sodium has an electronic configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
C. Cl - Chlorine has this electronic configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5

2. The electronic configuration of an element is a symbolic notation of the manner

in which the electrons of its atoms are distributed over different atomic orbitals.
While writing electron configurations, a standardized notation is followed in
which the energy level and the type of orbital are written first, followed by the
number of electrons present in the orbital written in superscript. For example,
the electronic configuration of carbon (atomic number: 6) is 1s2 2s2 2p2

Application
Electron Configuration Valence Valence
Atoms/Elements shell/s electrons
1. Krypton (Kr) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d104p6 4s,4p 8
2. Xenon (Xe) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5s, 5p 8
5p6
3. Radon (Rn 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 6s, 6p 8
4d10 5p6 6s2 4f145d106p6
4. Bromine (Br) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d104p5 4s, 4p 7

Post- Test
1. D 6. D 11. A
2. A 7. B 12. B
3. B 8. C 13. D
4. D 9. C 14. B
5. D 10. A 15. A

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For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Schools Division of Surigao del Norte

Peñaranda St., Surigao City
Surigao del Norte, Philippines 8400
Tel. No: (086) 826-8216
Email Address: surigao.delnorte@deped.gov.ph

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