9

Science
Quarter 2
Electronic Structure of Matter
How quantum mechanical model describes the energies and
positions of the electron?

To describe the atomic orbitals and to label the electrons that reside in
them, a set of quantum numbers has to be identified. These numbers are
derived from the mathematical solutions of the Schrodinger equation.

The principal quantum numbers n designate the main energy level

where the electrons are located.

The main energy level is also called a shell and its n-value describes
the most probable distance of the electron from the nucleus. The greater
the value of n, the farther the electron is from the nucleus.

The secondary quantum number gives the total number of sublevels

or subshells possible in a given main energy level or shell. It also describes
the type of orbital where the electron is.

Table 1.1 summarized the allowable number of electrons in each main

energy level and orbital of the atom.

Sublevels and Capacity of the First Four Main Energy Levels

Main Energy Number of Identity of Number of Maximum

Level (n) Sublevels Sublevels Orbitals (n²) Number of
Electrons
(2n²)
1 or K 1 1s 1 2
2 or L 2 2s 1 2
2p 4 8
3 6
1 2
3 or M 3 3s
3p 3 9 6 18
3d 5 10
4 or N 4 4s 1 2
4p 3 16 6 32
4d 5 10
4f 17 14

In addition to the information in table 1.1, there are three guiding

principles in determining an atom’s electronic configuration – the Aufbau
principle, Hund’s rule, and Pauli Exclusion Principle.

4
 In an atom, electrons occupy the orbitals in the order of increasing
energy. The lowest energy levels are filled up before going to the next energy
level. This order is known as the Aufbau Principle.

The mnemonic device presented below can guide us to determine the

order of increasing energy of the orbitals.

1s
2s 2p
3s 3p 3d
Electron designation
4s 4p 4d 4f per sublevels
s=2
5s 5p 4d 5f
p=6
6s 6p 6d d = 10
7s 7p 7p f = 14

Illustrated by Therysa Mae S. Bermudez

The order in which atomic subshells are filled in a multi-electron

atom. Start with 1s orbital and move downward following the direction of the
arrows.

Example:
1. Choose an element and write its atomic number.
Element: C (carbon) atomic number = 6

2. Write the electronic configuration using the mnemonic, starting with the
1s then follow the arrows.

3. After writing the sublevels using the mnemonics, assign the designated
number of electrons per sublevels.. (s = 2 electrons, p = 6 electrons, d = 10
electrons and f = 14 electrons)
C⁶ = 1s² 2s² 2p²

4. To know if your answer is correct add the number at the top of the
sublevels, it should be equal to the atomic number of the element.

C⁶ = 1s² 2s² 2p² 6

5
Pauli’s Exclusion Principle

It states, no two electrons in an atom can have an identical set of four

quantum numbers.

Let Us Practice

Very good! You made it this far! Let us continue rolling!

After honestly answering this. You may check your answer in the
Answer Key Section.

Activity 1: Electronic Configuration

Write the electronic configuration of the following elements using the
mnemonics of increasing energy levels. Find the atomic number of each
element on the periodic table.
Example:

C 6 1s² 2s² 2p²

Element Atomic number Electronic Configuration

1. Ca

2. Ne

3. O

4. Al

5. Si

6. He

7. Sc

8. Na

9. Mg

10. Li

6
 Activity 2: Electronic Configuration of First 10
Elements
Complete the table below by filling in all the missing data. Use a
periodic table and electron configuration mnemonics in answering.

Element Symbol Atomic Electronic Configuration

Number

Hydrogen

Helium

Lithium

Beryllium

Boron

Carbon

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Fluorine

Neon

7
 Let Us Remember

Awesome! Now, let us gather what we have learned.

Quantum Mechanical Model of an atom shows how the electrons

surround the atom in increasing order.

Energy levels are the fixed distances from the nucleus where you can
find the electrons of an atom.

The mnemonic device guides us in arranging the order of increasing

energy of the orbitals.

Valence electrons are the electrons occupying the highest energy level.

I Learned

Thoroughly answer the question below. You may use appropriate

academic vocabulary and clear and complete sentences.

Quantum Mechanical Model

Describe the Quantum Mechanical Model. Discuss how the Quantum

Mechanical Model describes the energies and positions of the electrons. How
do electrons are arranged?