Electron Configuration Quantum Mechanics (Ohh scary)

Quantum Mechanical Model Schrodinger’s equations, when solved give the most probably location of electrons in the electron cloud. The energy levels in the electron cloud are labeled by Principle Quantum Numbers (n). ◦ First energy level: n = 1 ◦ Second energy level: n = 2 ◦ Third energy level: n = 3 ◦ Fourth energy level: n = 4

Quantum Mechanical Model Each sublevel corresponds to orbitals with different shapes. These orbitals are areas most likely to contain electrons.

S sublevels The s sublevel is made up of a single s orbital. It is spherical in shape A maximum of 2 electrons can fit into any s sublevel

P sublevels The p sublevel is composed of 3 orbitals: ◦ p x ◦ p y ◦ p z These orbitals are dumbbell shaped A maximum of 6 electrons can be found in the p sublevel

D sublevels Each d sublevel is composed of 5 orbitals. A total of 10 electrons can be found in the d sublevel.

F sublevels The f sublevel is composed of 7 f orbitals. Each orbital is each in the amount of energy. A total of 14 electrons can be found in an f sublevel.

Quantum Mechanical Model Principle Energy Level (n) Number of Sublevels Type of sublevels Number of orbitals per sublevel Number of electrons per sublevel Total number of electrons per energy level