Atomic Structure & Bonding
What atomic structure & bonding means
Electron configurations, periodic trends and molecular geometry.
Worked example
One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.
The electron configuration of a neutral sodium atom (Z = 11) is
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
- 1s2 2s2 2p7
- 1s2 2s2 2p5 3s2
- 1s2 2s1 2p6 3s2
Working: Eleven electrons fill 1s, 2s and 2p, leaving one electron in 3s.
Curriculum and exam alignment
Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.
Related skills
Other University General Chemistry skills in Chemistry, at the same point in the course.
Other Chemistry topics
Related study guides
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Exams that assess atomic structure & bonding
University work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Chemistry topics that appear on it.
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Practise atomic structure & bonding
6 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.