write the distribution of electron in carbon and sodium atoms
Distribution of Electrons in Carbon and Sodium Atoms
Answer:
To explain the electron distribution in carbon and sodium atoms, we need to understand the concept of electronic configuration. Electronic configuration describes the arrangement of electrons in an atom’s orbitals. Electrons are placed in different shells around the nucleus based on the principles of energy levels, starting from the lowest energy level and filling up to higher levels.
Step 1: Understanding Electronic Configuration
Shells and Orbitals:
- Electrons are distributed in energy levels known as shells, which are labeled as K, L, M, and so on.
- Each shell consists of subshells identified as s, p, d, and f, each with a specific capacity for electrons.
Electron Filling Order:
- Electrons fill orbitals following the Aufbau principle, which states that lower-energy orbitals fill before higher-energy orbitals.
- The order is generally described by the sequence: 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, etc.
Step 2: Electron Distribution for Carbon
Carbon Atom:
- Atomic number: 6 (indicating it has 6 electrons)
Electronic Configuration:
- 1s Orbital: The first two electrons fill the 1s orbital.
- 2s Orbital: The next two electrons fill the 2s orbital.
- 2p Orbital: The last two electrons occupy the 2p orbital.
Therefore, the electronic configuration of carbon is expressed as:
1s² 2s² 2p²
In terms of the shell distribution:
- K shell: 2 electrons (1s²)
- L shell: 4 electrons (2s² 2p²)
Step 3: Electron Distribution for Sodium
Sodium Atom:
- Atomic number: 11 (indicating it has 11 electrons)
Electronic Configuration:
- 1s Orbital: The first two electrons fill the 1s orbital.
- 2s Orbital: The next two electrons fill the 2s orbital.
- 2p Orbital: The next six electrons fill the 2p orbitals.
- 3s Orbital: The eleventh electron occupies the 3s orbital.
Therefore, the electronic configuration of sodium is expressed as:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹
In terms of the shell distribution:
- K shell: 2 electrons (1s²)
- L shell: 8 electrons (2s² 2p⁶)
- M shell: 1 electron (3s¹)
Final Answer:
- Carbon Electronic Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p²
- Shell Distribution: K (2), L (4)
- Sodium Electronic Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s¹
- Shell Distribution: K (2), L (8), M (1)
This systematic distribution of electrons helps determine the chemical properties and reactivity of the elements in chemical reactions.