Atomic Number
It gives the number of electrons or protons needed in the atom of an element.
Hydrogen atom contains atomic number 1.
Orbital Rings
In successive shells the planetary electrons are known as K, L, M, N, O, P and Q at rising distance outward from the nucleus.
Each of the shell has a maximum number of electrons for its stability.
As shown in Table these stable shells correspond to the inert gases like helium and neon etc.
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SHELLS OR ORBITAL ELECTRONS IN THE ATOM
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SHELL
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MAXIMUM ELECTRONS
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INERT GAS
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K
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2
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Helium
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L
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8
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Neon
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For instance electronic configuration of the copper atom with 29 protons in nucleus and 29 orbital electrons shall be
- K shell = 2 electrons
- L shell = 8 electrons
- M shell =18 electrons
- N shell =1 electron
- Total = 29 electrons