The 1S2 2S2 series refers to the electron configuration of an atom, specifically the arrangement of electrons in the first and second energy levels (or shells). The trick to writing out these elements is to remember the following:
- The first energy level (n=1) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
- The second energy level (n=2) can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.
- Electrons fill energy levels in order of increasing energy, starting with the lowest available energy level.
To write out the electron configuration for an element, follow these steps:
1. Write the symbol for the element, followed by the atomic number in parentheses.
2. Determine the number of electrons in the atom by matching the atomic number to the number of protons (which equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom).
3. Fill the first energy level with up to 2 electrons.
4. Fill the second energy level with up to 8 electrons.
5. Write the electron configuration using the format: 1S2 2S2...
For example, let's write out the electron configuration for carbon (atomic number 6):
1. C(6)
2. Carbon has 6 electrons.
3. The first energy level can hold up to 2 electrons, so we fill it with 2 electrons: 1S2.
4. We have 4 electrons left to fill in the second energy level.
5. The second energy level can hold up to 8 electrons, so we fill it with 4 electrons: 2S2 2P2.
Therefore, the electron configuration for carbon is: 1S2 2S2 2P2.
Answers & Comments
Explanation:
The 1S2 2S2 series refers to the electron configuration of an atom, specifically the arrangement of electrons in the first and second energy levels (or shells). The trick to writing out these elements is to remember the following:
- The first energy level (n=1) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
- The second energy level (n=2) can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.
- Electrons fill energy levels in order of increasing energy, starting with the lowest available energy level.
To write out the electron configuration for an element, follow these steps:
1. Write the symbol for the element, followed by the atomic number in parentheses.
2. Determine the number of electrons in the atom by matching the atomic number to the number of protons (which equals the number of electrons in a neutral atom).
3. Fill the first energy level with up to 2 electrons.
4. Fill the second energy level with up to 8 electrons.
5. Write the electron configuration using the format: 1S2 2S2...
For example, let's write out the electron configuration for carbon (atomic number 6):
1. C(6)
2. Carbon has 6 electrons.
3. The first energy level can hold up to 2 electrons, so we fill it with 2 electrons: 1S2.
4. We have 4 electrons left to fill in the second energy level.
5. The second energy level can hold up to 8 electrons, so we fill it with 4 electrons: 2S2 2P2.
Therefore, the electron configuration for carbon is: 1S2 2S2 2P2.