This introduction covers The Atom's Address System within Electronic Configuration for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Electronic Configuration in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 24 exam-style questions and 24 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 1 of 12 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📖 The Atom's Address System
Electrons fill shells like fans filling a stadium — front rows first! The closest seats to the pitch (1st shell) are expensive and limited — only 2 VIP seats. The second tier (2nd shell) has 8 seats. The third tier (3rd shell) also has 8. Nobody sits in the upper tiers until the lower ones are full. That's exactly how electrons work: they always fill the lowest energy level first before moving up.
Practice questions for Electronic Configuration
What is the maximum number of electrons the first electron shell can hold?
Explain why noble gases are unreactive.