Electron Configuration Calculator
Determine the ground-state electron configuration of elements Z=1 to Z=118.
Calculation Parameters
Specify your chemical inputs.
Calculated Result
Sodium (Z=11)
Expert Tip
Double check molecular weights and balance equations to ensure stoichiometric ratios are correct.
How this Calculator Works
This calculator generates the electron configuration for any chemical element based on its atomic number. Adjust the atomic number using the slider below:
- Atomic Number (Z): The number of protons/electrons in a neutral atom (Range: 1 to 118, Default: 6)
The results are computed instantly and updated in the results panel on the right.
Formula & Methodology
Where:
- Aufbau Principle: Electrons fill lower-energy orbitals first.
- Madelung's Rule: Order is determined by the principal quantum number (n) and azimuthal quantum number (l).
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
To determine the electron configuration of Carbon manually, follow these steps:
- Identify the input parameters. For example:
- Atomic Number (Z) = 6
- Apply the formula:
Fill orbitals in order: 1s (max 2) => 1s² 2s (max 2) => 2s² 2p (max 6, remaining 2) => 2p² Result = 1s² 2s² 2p²
- Verify the calculated value which is updated instantly in the results panel on the right.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Aufbau principle? ▼
The Aufbau principle states that electrons fill atomic orbitals of lowest energy levels first before occupying higher levels.
What is noble gas shorthand notation? ▼
Noble gas shorthand replaces inner core electron configurations with the symbol of the preceding noble gas in brackets (e.g. [Ne] 3s¹).
Which elements are exceptions to standard Aufbau filling? ▼
Chromium ([Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹) and Copper ([Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹) are prominent exceptions due to extra stability of half-filled and filled d-subshells.