Atomic Electron Distributions and Ions

Atomic Electron Distributions

• Iron (Fe): Atomic number 26, atomic mass 55.845. Its electron configuration shows electrons in 1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, and 3d orbitals.

Atomic Electron Distributions (continued)

• Nitrogen (N): Atomic number 7, atomic mass 14.007. Its electron configuration places electrons in 1s, 2s, and 2p orbitals.

Electron Distribution of Ions

• Nitrogen Ion (N⁺): The N⁺ ion has a single electron less than neutral nitrogen, so electron distribution in 1s and 2s remains the same, but the 2p orbital has one fewer electron-up arrow.
• Nitrogen Ion (N³⁺): The N³⁺ ion has three fewer electrons compared to neutral nitrogen. Electron distribution results in the removal of electrons from 2p before any other orbitals, leaving only electrons in the 1s orbital.
• Oxygen (O): Atomic number 8, atomic mass 15.999, has electrons in 1s, 2s and 2p orbitals.

Electron Distribution of Ions (continued)

• Oxygen Ion (O^2-): This ion has two extra electrons compared to neutral oxygen. The additional electrons fill the available spaces within the 2p orbitals.

Electron Distribution of Other Elements

• Chromium (Cr): Atomic number 24, atomic mass 51.996. Its electron configuration differs from the usual expected pattern due to the shifting of an electron from a 4s to a 3d orbital for stability. The 3d orbital has one more electron than the 4s orbital (following Hund's rule).
• Copper (Cu): Atomic Number 29, atomic mass 63.546. Similar to Chromium, copper's electron configuration deviates from expected convention as an electron is from the 4s orbital and into a 3d orbital for stability. The 3d orbital also has one more electron than the 4s orbital (following Hund's rule).
• Iron Ion (Fe²⁺): Iron's electron configuration changes accordingly after the oxidation, and electron distribution is adjusted to reflect a loss of two electrons from the neutral Fe atom's configuration.