Matter:

Electron Arrangement

CONTENT STANDARD:
At the end of this unit, YOU should be able to demonstrate understanding of:
1. The identity of a substance according to its atomic structure
2. The periodic table of elements as an organizing tool to determine the chemical properties of elements

PERFORMANCE STANDARD:
At the end of this unit, YOU shall be able to:
Make a timeline of the development of the periodic table.

ESSENTIAL UNDERSTANDING:
When things are systematically arranged, their attributes and other related properties can be easily determined and logically
predicted.

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Why is there need for chemical elements to be systematically arranged?

LEARNING COMPETENCIES:
At the end of this module, YOU should be able to:
1. Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in a particular atom;
2. Use the periodic table to predict the chemical behavior of an element.
 SCIENCE 8 | JMME & JBV

The flight path of a commercial airliner is carefully regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Each airplane
must maintain a distance of five miles from another plane flying at the same altitude and 2,000 feet above and below
another aircraft (1,000 feet if the altitude is less than 29,000 feet). So, each aircraft only has certain positions it is allowed
to maintain while it flies. As we explore quantum mechanics, we see that electrons have similar restrictions on their
locations.
We can apply our knowledge of quantum numbers to describe the arrangement of electrons for a given atom. We
do this with something called electron configurations. They are effectively a map of the electrons for a given atom. We
look at the four quantum numbers for a given electron and then assign that electron to a specific orbital.
Can you name one thing that easily distinguishes you from the rest of the world? And we're not talking about
DNA—that's a little expensive to sequence. For many people, it is their email address. Your email address allows people all
over the world to contact you. It does not belong to anyone else, but serves to identify you. Electrons also have a unique
set of identifiers in the quantum numbers that describe their location and spin.
In this module we will learn about the quantum numbers and electron configuration. Remember to answer the
following questions: How can the electron structure of an atom be used to describe its nature? How does electrons
distribution affect the nature of an atom?

In this module you will learn the following:

 Quantum numbers
 Electron Configuration

Pre- Assessment

In our previous module we discussed about the atom and the periodic table. The following terms below are related to
our previous lesson and will be discussed in the next sections of this module. Let’s see if you have an idea on the different
terms. Write your answer on the space provided.

1. ID numbers -
2. Quantum numbers -
3. Electrons -
4. Electronic configuration -

In this section let us know how important the ID

numbers is. Proceed to the next page for the activity.

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Look at your ID. You will see that there is a series of numbers that correspond to your student’s number. Your student
number may contain the year or date when you were enrolled in your school. This set of numbers uniquely describes and
identifies you as an official student of your school.

Write your personal information in the ID template found on the answer sheets of this module page 7.

End of
EXPLORE

In this section, let’s describe an atom in terms of the four

quantum numbers and write its electron configuration.

Quantum numbers somehow function in the same way for electrons in the elements. The quantum numbers
describe the distribution or location of electrons in the elements. There are four letters that describe these quantum
numbers. These letters enable us to label an electron in any orbital in an atom. A quantum number may be seen as a
specific address of the location of a particular electron.

The set of quantum numbers follows the sequence of the following letters: n, l, m, s.

Quantum Number Symbol Possible Values Description

Principal Quantum Number n 1, 2, 3, 4, n, … It corresponds to the energy level of the orbitals. The
larger the value of n, the greater is the distance of the
electron from the nucleus.
Angular Quantum Number l From 0 to (- n) It describes the shape of the orbital.

If l is equal to:

0 = s – orbital = number of orbits 1

1 = p – orbital = number of orbits 3

2 = d – orbital = number of orbits 5

3 = f - orbital = number of orbits 7

Magnetic Quantum Number m 0, ±1, ±2, ±3 It describes the orientation in a space of an orbital of a
given energy (n) and shape (l). This number divides the
subshell into individuals’ orbitals that hold the electron.

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i.e. for p – orbital, there are three orientations; px, py,

and pz
Electron Spin Quantum s It describes the spin of an electron in an orbital. An
Number electron can spin in only two directions (clockwise and
counter clockwise).

Let’s try working on some exercises on how to get the values of the four quantum numbers and how to write a set.

Example Problem 1: YOUR TURN!

Determine the possible values of n, l, m, and s for the first electron in

Determine the possible values of n, l, m, s for
an atom and write the possible sets of quantum numbers.
electron in a 2s orbital and write all the possible sets
of quantum numbers.
Answer:

Write your answer here.

For the first electron its lowest energy is the first energy level. Then the
value of the principal quantum number is therefore n = 1.

The value of l is from 0 to (n -1). Since n = 1, then 1 – 1 = 0. Therefore

the value of l = 0

The value of m is dependent on the value of l. Since l is l is zero, then

m is also zero.

There are two possible values of s; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 .

The complete set of quantum numbers must be written as (n, l, m, s). if

you take all values above, you will have:

n = 1; l = 0; m = 0; s = ,

therefore the possible sets of quantum number are:

𝟏 𝟏
(1, 0, 0, ) and (1, 0, 0, )
𝟐 𝟐 Example Problem 2:
Write the possible set of quantum numbers for an electron in 2p
orbital.
Corresponds to n =2
YOUR TURN! 2p orbital
p orbital means l = 1

Write the possible sets of quantum If l = 1; possible values of m will be from – l to + l.

numbers for an electron in 4d orbital. Therefore m value will be -1, 0, and +1.
Write your answer on the answer The value of s still s; 𝑎𝑛𝑑 .
sheets of this module page 7. The possible set of quantum numbers for an electron in the 2p orbital
are:

𝟏 𝟏
(2, 1, -1, ) (2, 1, 0, )
𝟐 𝟐

𝟏 𝟏
(2, 1, -1, ) (2, 1, 1, )
𝟐 𝟐

𝟏 𝟏
𝟐 𝟐
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We have discussed and described the four quantum numbers. In this activity with the help of your family member
work on the quick lab to see how an f orbital looks like.

Balloon Representation of an f Orbital

Materials: Eight pieces (8) of similar-sized balloons (preferably oblong in shape when inflated) and a piece of string enough to tie the
balloons together.
Procedure:
1.Secure eight pieces of balloons of similar size (preferably oblong in shape when inflated). Inflate each balloon to the same size. Tie the
eight balloons together. Find out the arrangement where all the eight balloons are equally stable.
2.Present your balloon arrangement to your teacher. Have it checked whether you were able to derive the correct arrangement
representing f orbital. Take a picture of your activity and post it in our Facebook group.
3.Draw the correct arrangement of an f orbital. Use short bond paper and attach on the last page of your answer sheets.

Now that you have learned how quantum numbers are assigned for every electron, you are now ready to
distribute the electrons in different energy levels and atomic orbitals and you know how an f orbital looks like.

The probable distribution of electrons around the nucleus of an atom is called the electron configuration. Because
of the behavior of an electron is determined by how an electron moves in an orbital, we can describe the electrons of an
element through their distribution in the main energy level and sublevels.

In writing the electron configuration of elements, we follow certain rules that generally describe their arrangement.

Electron diagram
Pauli Exclusion Principle
Aufbau Principle
Hund’s Rule
Orbitals can be represented by boxes with electrons in them. Electrons are represented by arrows
going up or down. The difference in directions shows the difference of the electrons in the same orbital.
Each arrow represents one electron in the same orbital.
The electron configuration of hydrogen is . It shows that the orbital is located in the first
energy level with its one electron.
1
↑
s
The electron configuration of helium is . It shows that the orbital is located in the first energy
level with two electrons.
1
↑↓
s
The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons can have exactly the same set of
quantum number. Take note that the set of quantum numbers for a specific electron is unique for that
electron alone. If two electrons have the same n, l, or m values, then they occupy the same energy level
and the same subshell or orbital, respectively.
The Aufbau principle states that a lower energy orbital should be filled up first before next higher
energy orbital. This assumes that the electron are added to an atom, one at a time, starting with lowest
energy orbital until all of the electrons have been placed in an appropriate orbital.
The arrangement of orbital energy follows this order: s p d f
Hund’s rule states that, in filling the orbitals of the same energy level, an orbital must be singly filled up first
before pairing the electrons.

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Guidelines in Writing the Electron Configuration of the Elements

1. Always start with the orbital with the lowest energy which is 1s.
2. Each orbital must have a maximum of two electrons of opposite spin. This is known as the Pauli Exclusion
Principle. If two electrons can have the same n, l, and m values, their s values must be different. This is more
pronounced when we write the orbital diagram of the element.
3. If there are more than one orbital of the same energy (Degenerate orbitals), the electrons are placed singly first
before pairing up. This is Hund’s Rule of Maximum Multiplicity. This rule basically states that the most stable
arrangement of electrons in an atom is when there is a maximum number of parallel spins.

Activity 3: Electron Arrangement

Sample Problem 3:
Show the ground state electronic configuration and orbital
diagram of carbon.
Write the electron
configuration and illustrate the
Answer: orbital diagram of the following
The atomic number of carbon is 6, therefore, the number of atom. Answer the process question
electron is also 6. Using the arrangement shown in the previous page, the briefly. Refer on the answer sheets
electronic configuration of carbon is of this module page 8.
𝑠 2𝑠 2𝑝 or 𝑠 2𝑠 2𝑝 2𝑝𝑥 2𝑝𝑦
The orbital diagram can be written as:
C ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑
𝑠 2𝑠 2𝑝𝑥 2𝑝𝑦

End of
FIRM-UP

We can now apply the concepts and principles discussed from the
previous section. Let’s go deeper by answering the activity found on the next
DEEPEN page of this module.

Activity 4: Quick Quiz

a. Complete the table below. Refer on the answer sheets of this module page 8.
b. Write the electron configuration and orbital diagram of the following elements. Refer on the answer sheets of this
module page 8.

End of
DEEPEN

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 SCIENCE 8 | JMME & JBV

Your goal in this section is to apply your learning from our discussion
TRANSFER by creating a slogan that is related to our Science Month Celebration Theme.

Activity 5: Slogan Making

How will you apply your learning from our discussion about the quantum numbers and electronic configuration in
our situation today? Will this learning be useful to us?

In this month we are celebrating the Science Month Celebration, let’s showcase your creativity, knowledge and
artistry about the theme.

Goal Your objective is to present helpful information to the young individuals about Science Month Celebration. The
information should revolve around the theme ―Holy Crossians, Scientifically Armed and Reality. Future Innovators
for Properity Amidst Global Difficulty‖. The challenge is how you will be able to lead the people to take action
rather than merely accepting the current crisis.
Role You are a grade 8 young Science advocate of Holy Cross High School.
Audience Your fellow Teenagers
Situation This year’s Science Month Celebration falls on the Month of March. The said celebrationis anchored on the current
world wide pandemic. As young and aspiring scientist, you are tasked to inform your fellow teenagers of the
importance of Science especially nowadays.
Product Slogan (1/8 illustration board)
Standards Your product will be assessed based on its originality, relevance to the theme, creativity and clarity of message, and
overall impact.
Criteria:
Originality - 30%
Relevance to the Theme – 35%
Creativity and clarity of message – 20%
Overall impact - 15%
Note: Pass your Slogan together with your module.

KEY TAKEWAYS

 There 4 quantum numbers

1. Principal quantum number
2. Angular quantum number
3. Magnetic quantum number
4. Spin quantum number
 Orbitals are region in space where the probability of locating electrons is high.
 The electron configuration of an atom corresponds to the most probable distribution of electrons around the nucleus of the atom.
 Electrons occupy orbitals in order of increasing energy as established by the aufbau principle.
 Electrons occupy degenerate orbitals singly before pairing occurs. This is known as the Hund’s rule of maximum multiplicity.
 The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that in an atom, only a maximum of two electrons spinning oppositely can occupy an orbital.

References:
Madriga, EstrallitaA, EdD et al.,2020, Science Links Worktext, Rex Book Store, InC.,
Madriga, EstrallitaA, EdD et al.,2020, Science Links Teacher’s Resource Material, Rex Book Store, InC., 14-22R
Rapa, Eduardo Christian R. et al.,2018, Practical Science 8, Diwa Learning Systems Inc.
Science Grade 8 – Quarter 3 Learning Module Exemplar, 2017, Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC)
Vela-Evangelista, Eden. Et al., 2014, Science in Today’s World, Sibs Publishing House, Inc.

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