Count the Boxes—A Simple Guide to Determining Electronic Configuration

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 11 Issue 1 (2006) pp 1-3

Count the Boxes—A Simple Guide to Determining Electronic Configuration

Kwesi Amoa

Physical Environmental, and Computer Sciences Department, Medgar Evers College/City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11225, kamoa@mec.cuny.edu
Received March 18, 2005. Accepted July 10, 2005.

Published online: 16 December 2005

Abstract. Teaching students how to determine the electronic configuration of an atom is often a challenge. Attempts to relay this information often cause confusion for students and frustration for the teacher. This paper describes a simple method of teaching electronic configuration for s-, p-, and d-block elements. The presentation takes about 45 minutes.

Key Words: In the Classroom; general chemistry; high school chemistry; introductory chemistry; nonmajor courses; periodicity; periodic table; teaching aids; learning aids

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: kamoa@mec.cuny.edu)

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