Write the distribution of electrons in carbon and sodium atoms.

 

Answer

Based on the Bohr-Bury scheme, we know that the maximum number of electrons that can be present in a particular energy shell of an atom is given by 2n 2 , where “n” is the number of energy shells.

 

(i) Carbon

Atomic number of Carbon = 6

Therefore, number of electrons in Carbon = 6

  • 2 of them are held in K Shell (as K Shell can hold max 2 electrons)
  • 4 of them are held in L Shell (as L Shell can hold max 8 electrons)


    So, 

    K Shell - 2

    L Shell - 4

 

(ii) Sodium

Atomic number of Sodium = 11

Therefore, number of electrons in Sodium = 11

  • 2 of them are held in K Shell (as K Shell can hold max 2 electrons)
  • 8 of them are held in L Shell (as L Shell can hold max 8 electrons)

Remaining 1 is held in M Shell

So, 

K Shell - 2

L Shell - 8

M Shell - 1

Go Ad-free
Maninder Singh's photo - Co-founder, Teachoo

Made by

Maninder Singh

CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 14 years and a teacher from the past 18 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo