If one shell in an element isn't full why are electrons in the next shell?
2007-03-29 15:03:45 · 2 answers · asked by Nick 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
If one shell in an element isn't full why are electrons in the next shell?
2007-03-29 15:05:47 · update #1
The fundamental concept is stability. Electrons will seek the level in which the energy level is the lowest and gives the most stability. This may mean that certain levels will fill before others, or that there is a combination of levels which is more stable than a level getting filled up before another starts.
For example, a "d" orbital can hold 10 electrons. There is a stability when there are 5 electrons in a d shell, meaning one per orbital. Other levels may get more electrons before a 6th gets added to that d level.
2007-03-29 15:12:38 · answer #1 · answered by reb1240 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because that particular element is it's excited state.
2007-03-29 22:12:32 · answer #2 · answered by JB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋