Atomic Structure of Electrons

Fundamentals of Chemistry DOE-HDBK-1015/1-93 THE PERIODIC TABLE Rev. 0 CH-01 Page 19 Figure 5 Electron Shells of Atoms Chemical activity can also be determined from position in the periodic table. The most active metals are the members of the Alkali Family, e.g., cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr). The most active nonmetals are the members of the Halogen Family, e.g., fluorine (F) and chlorine (Cl). The Noble Gases in Group 0 are inert. The activity of metals decreases when proceeding to the right in the periodic table; the activity of nonmetals decreases when proceeding to the left. Atomic Structure of Electrons Based on experimental data, it is known that chemical reactions involve only the electrons in atoms. In fact, only some of the electrons are involved. Because chemical properties are periodic, there must also be a periodic characteristic about electrons. This characteristic is the manner in which electrons are arranged in the atom. Electrons are in constant motion around the nucleus. They have both kinetic and potential energy, and their total energy is the sum of the two. The total energy is quantized; that is, there are definite, discrete values of total energy that atomic electrons can possess. These energy states can be visualized as spherical shells around the nucleus separated by forbidden areas where electrons cannot exist in a stable state. This sort of arrangement is illustrated in Figure 5. It is customary to speak of electron shells around the nucleus, and the shells are referred to by number. The first, or No. 1, shell is the one nearest the nucleus; the second, or No. 2, shell is next; then the third, or No. 3, shell; and so on in numerical order. In general, electrons closer to the nucleus have a lower energy state. Atomic electrons always seek the lowest energy state available.