Orbital Box Diagrams

Orbital (Box) Diagrams Orbital Diagram = collapsed version of the orbital filling diagram. Example: Carbon (Z = 6. therefore e- = 6) 1 s 2 s 2 p Note: Each box = an orbital. Arrows = electrons.

Each sub-level has a different number of boxes that represents the number of orbitals in each.

To Write Orbital Boxes From the Orbital Filling Diagram Write the energy level first. Draw the boxes for each orbital. Place electrons in the boxes using arrows. Since electrons spin in opposite directions, we use arrows. Remember, each orbital can hold only 2 electrons. Start with the 1s orbital Fill in all boxes with before placing Continue with each energy level and sub-level until all electrons are filled.

You Try Draw the orbital diagram for sulfur. Sulfur (Atomic Number = 16. therefore e- = 16) 1 s 2 s 2 p 3s 3p

Identify the Error… 1 s 2 s 2 p 3s 3p 1 s 2 s 2 p 3s 3p

Example Complete this diagram for the element, Silicon (Si). 1 s 2 s 2 p 3s 3p

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