Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
any orbital gets two. When you have more electrons than orbitals, you need
to double up, as shown by the next example.
Example 3
Write the proper orbital notation for an atom of sulfur.
1s
2
2s
2
2p
6
3s
2
3p
4
So, if you can do the electron configuration for an element, you should
be able to do the orbital notation. Just study the examples from this lesson
and make sure you understand them.
Before we move on to the next lesson, I want to remind you that some
topics will represent the orbital notation in a slightly different fashion. Your
instructor may have a preference for you to use in class, but you should be able
to recognize any of the alternate versions that you might see. Figure 3-5a
shows the three most common versions for the orbital notation of carbon.
Three Versions of the Orbital Notation of Carbon
1s
2
2s
2
2p
2
Circles for orbitals, arrows for electrons:
Squares for orbitals, arrows for electrons:
Circles for orbitals, slashes for electrons:
Figure 3-5a
Lesson 3-5 Review
1. The circles in an orbital notation represent ________________.
2. The arrows in an orbital notation represent ________________.
The following figure shows the orbital notations for six elements. Use
these notations to answer questions 3-8.
A.
D.
B.
E.
C.
F.
