Ground-state electron configuration

Definition

The ground-state electron configuration is the arrangement of electrons in an atom's orbitals when it is at its lowest energy level. It determines the chemical properties and reactivity of the element.

Related terms

Orbital:

A region around an atom's nucleus that can hold up to two electrons, with each having opposite spins.

Valence electrons: Electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which are crucial for determining how atoms interact and bond with each other.

Electron configuration notation: A shorthand description of the number of electrons in each orbital, using numbers and letters to represent energy levels and sublevels