Scientific Tutor

What sections should I know before attempting to learn this section?

—> Orbitals Part 1

—> Energy Level Part 2

—> Complete Electron Configuration Part 3

What are abbreviated electrons configurations?

Because some of the complete electron configurations can be so long, chemical scientists have come up with a way to shorten them. It involves using the closest noble gas above the element you are trying to give an electron configuration to.

Examples: Give the abbreviated (noble gas) electron configurations for the elements below. Use the orbital periodic table and the regular periodic table together.

VIDEO Abbreviated Electron Configurations Demonstrated Example 1: What is the abbreviated electron configuration for Sr? Use the orbital periodic table and the regular periodic table together.

Step 1:

What is the nearest noble gas above Sr?

Answer: Kr

What should be written down so far: [Kr]

Step 2:

From Kr where do we continue the electron configuration?

Answer: at 5s

What should be written down so far: [Kr] 5s

Step 3:

How many boxes (electrons) on the periodic table until we get to Sr?

Answer: 2

COMPLETE ANSWER: [Kr] 5s²

PRACTICE PROBLEMS: Give abbreviated (noble gas) electron configurations for the elements below. Use this periodic table if possible. If that does not work for you try the orbital periodic table.