In IB chemistry curriculum, there are four different types of sub-shells. An orbital is region of space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. It represents a discrete energy level.

They contain a max of 2 electrons

The Aufbau Principle of electronic configuration (building up)

In the Periodic Table:

• The period number (horizontal) shows the highest main energy level occupied by the element in IB chemistry
• The blocks indicate the highest occupied sub shell of that element. They are named from left to right: s, d, p blocks
• The group number (vertical), which starts from one in each block, indicates the number of electrons in each sub-shell
• E.g. Magnesium, in the s block, group number 2 and in period 3, will end its electronic configuration with 3s ² (Read off previous full sub shells, starting from Hydrogen, to get the full configuration)

End of this topic!

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Drafted by Gina (Chemistry)