Drawing diagrams of electronic configurations

4 marks · Normal

Below is the electronic configuration diagram for an atom of carbon.

Diagram: Carbon atom – two shells; 2 electrons in first shell, 4 electrons in second shell (dots shown).

(a)

How many electrons are there in total in this atom?

[1 mark]

(b)

How many shells are in this atom?

[1 mark]

(c)

How many electrons are in the outer shell?

[1 mark]

(d)

Write the electronic configuration (number of electrons in each shell) for this atom.

[1 mark]

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

Show answer

(a) 6 · must show 2+4=6

(b) 2 · must show 2 shells shown

(d) 2,4 · must show Electronic configuration 2,4

Show mark scheme and worked solution

Marking points

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Correctly counts total electrons (2 + 4 = 6).

A2 (b) · 1 mark · Correctly counts number of shells (2).

A3 (c) · 1 mark · Gives number of electrons in outer shell (4).

A4 (d) · 1 mark · States electronic configuration (2,4).

Worked solution

a) Total electrons: 2 (first shell) + 4 (second shell) = 6.

b) There are 2 shells.

c) Outer shell has 4 electrons.

d) Electronic configuration is 2,4.