Electron Configuration Calculator
Find electron configuration using the Aufbau principle
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Enter the atomic number of the element (1-118)
- Click Calculate to generate the electron configuration
- View the full configuration and noble gas notation
- See valence electrons and orbital breakdown
What is Electron Configuration?
Electron configuration describes how electrons are distributed among the atomic orbitals of an atom. It follows specific rules and principles that determine the most stable arrangement.
The configuration is written using orbital notation (1s, 2s, 2p, etc.) with superscripts indicating the number of electrons in each orbital.
Aufbau Principle
The Aufbau principle states that electrons fill orbitals starting from the lowest energy level to the highest. The typical filling order is: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, and so on.
This calculator uses the Aufbau principle to automatically determine the correct electron configuration for any element.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are valence electrons?
- Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. They determine the chemical properties and reactivity of the element.
- What is noble gas notation?
- Noble gas notation is a shorthand way of writing electron configurations by using the symbol of the nearest noble gas with fewer electrons, then adding the remaining configuration.
- Are there exceptions to the Aufbau principle?
- Yes, some elements like chromium and copper have exceptions where electrons fill in ways that provide extra stability. This calculator uses the standard Aufbau order for simplicity.
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