Question

What superscripts to use when trying to find the electron configuration.

Answer 1

Distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule in atomic or molecular orbital is called electronic configuration.

In this superscript indicates the number of electrons present in that particular orbital.

The maximum number electrons occupied by each orbital is as follows.

S orbital 2 electrons

P orbital 6 electrons (. 3 sub shell *2)

d orbital 10 electrons ( 5 subshells *2)

f orbital 14 electrons ( 7 subshells *2)

Example:

Electronic configuration of sodium is as follows:

Sodium Na atomic number is 11.

So it have 11 electrons.

The electronic configuration is as follows:

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1

Superscripts 2+2+6+1= 11