Electron Shells

Elements in each group have the same number of electrons in their outer shell. The number
of electrons in the outer shell of an element determines it properties.

Electrons form “shells” around the nucleus of an atom. There are five rules which govern
how the electron shells are filled.

1. Electrons always occupy shells (sometimes called energy levels)

2. The lowest energy levels are filled first – these are the ones closest to the nucleus
3. Only a certain number of electrons can fit in each shell: 2 in the first shell, 8 in the
second and 8 in the third (things are more complicated in higher shells but you don’t
need to worry about that)
4. Atoms are more stable when they have a full outer shell (like the Noble gases in
Group 0)
5. If an atom does not have a full outer electron shell it will tend to react to try and get
one.

In this diagram of a sodium atom there are 2 electrons in the

first shell, 8 in the second and 1 in the third.

This means that Sodium is in Group 1

Sodium atoms will react to get rid of the electron in shell 3,

when it reacts and loses the electron it is a Sodium ion and is
positively charged (Na+)

Draw the electron configuration for Chlorine below

Can you identify what element is shown below

Using what you already know and your periodic table how many
protons does this element have?

How many neutrons?