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The Periodic Table as a Mnemonic Device for Writing Electronic Configurations

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Suzanne T. Mabrouk

Chemistry Department, The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29409

J. Chem. Educ., 2003, 80 (8), p 894

DOI: 10.1021/ed080p894

Publication Date (Web): August 1, 2003

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

Lectures on electronic configurations often appear boring and intangible to many students. This topic can become engaging and interesting through the use of an interactive method based on the periodic table. Using a periodic table with shell and subshell designations in each square, students learn the patterns or the periodicity to the electronic configurations of the elements. Students are then encouraged to commit these patterns to memory through rehearsal in class. With the standard periodic table and the memorized patterns, students are shown that electronic configurations can be determined. Although students often appear mystified by the topic of electronic configurations, especially when its relevance to chemistry is absent, students' understanding can be improved easily by making connections and using analogy as the activity described here does.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Mnemonics / Rote Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Atomic Properties / Structure

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