Atomic StructureDiagram

Electron Shells and Electronic Configuration

Part of Electronic ConfigurationGCSE Chemistry

This diagram covers Electron Shells and Electronic Configuration within Electronic Configuration for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Electronic Configuration in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 24 exam-style questions and 24 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 2 of 12 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 2 of 12

Practice

24 questions

Recall

24 flashcards

📊 Electron Shells and Electronic Configuration

Diagram showing electron shell configurations for Carbon (2,4), Sodium (2,8,1), and Chlorine (2,8,7). Shows electrons arranged in shells around the nucleus, with labels indicating shell capacity rules: 1st shell max 2, 2nd shell max 8, 3rd shell max 8. Highlights that group number equals outer shell electrons and period number equals number of shells.

KEY PATTERN: Electrons fill the innermost shells first. The electronic configuration tells you exactly how the electrons are arranged — crucial for predicting chemical behaviour!

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Electronic Configuration. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Electronic Configuration

What is the maximum number of electrons the first electron shell can hold?

  • A. 2
  • B. 8
  • C. 18
  • D. 1
1 markfoundation

Explain why noble gases are unreactive.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Which shell do electrons fill first?
The innermost shell (closest to the nucleus)
What does the group number tell you?
The number of electrons in the outer shell

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