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Electron Configuration

Definition

Electron configuration is the arrangement of electrons in an atom, molecule, or other physical structure.

Analogy

Think of electron configuration like arranging guests at a wedding. Each table (shell) has a certain number of seats (electron capacity), and you have to arrange everyone (electrons) so that they're all seated correctly according to specific rules.

Related terms

Aufbau Principle: This principle states that electrons fill up the lowest energy levels first before moving on to higher ones. It's like filling up the front rows at a concert before letting people into the back rows.

Pauli Exclusion Principle: This principle says that no two electrons can have identical quantum states. Imagine it as each person having their own unique seat at the wedding; no two people can sit in exactly the same spot!

Hund's Rule: Hund's rule states that every orbital in a subshell is singly occupied with one electron before any one orbital is doubly occupied. It’s like ensuring each room in a house has one occupant before anyone gets a roommate!