1. What is Electron Configuration?

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's electron shells and subshells. For carbon (atomic number 6), the configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p², showing 2 electrons in the 1s orbital, 2 in the 2s orbital, and 2 in the 2p orbitals.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator displays the standard electron configuration for carbon:

Where:

• 1s² — 2 electrons in the first energy level's s orbital
• 2s² — 2 electrons in the second energy level's s orbital
• 2p² — 2 electrons in the second energy level's p orbitals

Explanation: This follows the Aufbau principle, Pauli exclusion principle, and Hund's rule.

3. Importance of Electron Configuration

Details: Electron configuration determines an element's chemical properties, bonding behavior, and position in the periodic table. Carbon's configuration explains its ability to form four covalent bonds.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: This calculator specifically shows carbon's configuration. For other elements, a more comprehensive calculator would be needed.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does carbon have this configuration?
A: It follows the order of orbital filling: 1s → 2s → 2p, with 6 total electrons (atomic number 6).

Q2: What's special about carbon's configuration?
A: The four valence electrons (2s² 2p²) allow carbon to form diverse compounds by sharing electrons.

Q3: How does this relate to carbon's position in the periodic table?
A: Carbon is in group 14 (4 valence electrons) and period 2 (outer electrons in n=2 shell).

Q4: Are there exceptions to this configuration?
A: In excited states, one 2s electron can promote to 2p (1s² 2s¹ 2p³), enabling different bonding.

Q5: How does this configuration affect carbon's properties?
A: It explains carbon's tetravalency, ability to form multiple bonds, and catenation (forming chains).