Drawing diagrams of electronic configurations

2 marks · Normal

State the electronic configuration (number of electrons in each shell) for the element nitrogen (atomic number 7).

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2,5

Must show: 2 electrons in first shell, 5 electrons in second shell

Also accept: First shell: 2; second shell: 5

Common mistakes: Incorrect distribution, e.g. 3, 4

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Marking points

M1 · 1 mark · States or applies rule: first shell up to 2 electrons.

A1 · 1 mark · States final answer: 2 electrons in first shell, 5 in second shell (2,5).

Worked solution

Nitrogen has atomic number 7, so 7 electrons: 2 in the first shell, 5 in the second shell. Electronic configuration is 2,5.