Electron Configuration Notation:
-shows the arrangment of electrons around the nucleus of an atom.
- helps chemist understanding how elements form chemical bonds.
- can be written using the period table or an electron configuration chart.
How to Write the Electron Configuration for Potassium (K)
In order to write the Potassium electron configuration we first need to know the number of electrons for the K atom (there are 19 electrons). When we write the configuration we'll put all 19 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Potassium atom.
In writing the electron configuration for Potassium the first two electrons will go in the 1s orbital. Since 1s can only hold two electrons the next 2 electrons for Potassium go in the 2s orbital. The next six electrons will go in the 2p orbital. The p orbital can hold up to six electrons. We'll put six in the 2p orbital and then put the next two electrons in the 3s. Since the 3s if now full we'll move to the 3p where we'll place the next six electrons. We now shift to the 4s orbital where we place the remaining electron. Therefore the Potassium electron configuration will be 1s22s22p63s23p64s1.
Video: Potassium Electron Configuration Notation
The configuration notation provides an easy way for scientists to write and communicate how electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom. This makes it easier to understand and predict how atoms will interact to form chemical bonds.
