Electron Configurations from Experiment

Ronald J. Gillespie
Department of Chemistry, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4M1, Canada
James N. Spencer and Richard S. Moog
Department of Chemistry, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604-3003
J. Chem. Educ., 1996, 73 (7), p 617
DOI: 10.1021/ed073p617
Publication Date (Web): July 1, 1996

Abstract

Alternative methods of introducing students to atomic energy levels and electron configurations are presented based on experimental evidence rather than quantum mechanics. A shell model of atomic structure can be developed from the periodic table, and from first ionization energies of the atoms. This model can then be elaborated through the use of photoelectron spectroscopy to obtain electron configurations. The development of these ideas from experimental results provides an example of the method of scientific inquiry, and also a simpler and less mysterious introduction to these concepts.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Laboratory Instruction

Keywords (Feature):

Demystifying Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Atomic Properties / Structure
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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