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Atoms - Electronic Structure
The maximum number of electrons in the second shell is 8.

Atoms - Electronic Structure

Learn how electrons are arranged in shells and why that matters. This GCSE Chemistry quiz helps you write electronic structures and link them to reactivity.

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(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

Electronic structure describes how electrons are arranged in shells around the nucleus. The arrangement affects an element’s chemical reactions.

In GCSE Chemistry, electronic structure helps you describe how atoms are organised in the periodic table and why elements behave differently. You will practise filling shells in order, spotting outer electrons, and predicting patterns in groups.

Key Terms

  • Shell: A fixed “layer” around the nucleus where electrons can be found, with a maximum number allowed in each shell.
  • Outer shell electrons: The electrons in the highest occupied shell, which are most important for how an element reacts.
  • Electron configuration: A way of writing how electrons are arranged in shells, for example 2,8,1.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How do you write electronic structure in GCSE Chemistry?

To write electronic structure at GCSE, you place electrons into shells in order. The first shell holds 2, the second holds 8, and the third holds 8 for the first 20 elements, giving patterns like 2,8,3.

How does electronic structure link to the periodic table?

Electronic structure links to the periodic table because the group number shows how many outer shell electrons an element has. Elements in the same group have similar outer electrons, so they often react in similar ways.

Why do outer shell electrons affect reactivity?

Outer shell electrons affect reactivity because reactions usually involve gaining, losing, or sharing electrons. Atoms that can reach a full outer shell more easily tend to react more readily.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
Electrons are found...
in the nucleus of an atom
in shells orbiting the nucleus
dotted throughout the atom
in lines radiating out from the nucleus
Electrons have one unit of negative charge
2 .
What is the maximum number of electrons in the first shell?
2
3
8
1
It is the shell that is closest to the nucleus
3 .
What is the maximum number of electrons in the second shell?
2
3
8
1
At GCSE you will have to know the electron configurations up to and including calcium, but no further
4 .
What is the electron configuration of the element lithium?
2,2
2,8
2,1
2,8,1
Lithium has atomic number 3 which tells you that there are 3 electrons in the shells. Placing two in the first shell leaves you with just 1 in the outer shell
5 .
Which element has the electron configuration 2,4?
Sodium
Potassium
Neon
Carbon
2,4 = 6 electrons therefore 6 protons meaning the element has atomic number 6 which corresponds to carbon
6 .
Which element has the electron configuration 2,8,7?
Fluorine
Argon
Chlorine
Magnesium
Using similar logic to the previous question leads you to the element whose atomic number is 17
7 .
Which of the following is NOT an electron configuration for an element in group 8 (also called group 0, Group 18 or the noble gases)?
2
2,8
2,8,2
2,8,8
Group 8 elements all have full outer shells
8 .
What is the electronic configuration for an Na+ ion?
2,8,7
2,8,8
2,7
2,8
It loses the electron from its outer shell
9 .
What is the electronic configuration for an Al 3+ ion?
2,8,8
2,8,7
2,8
2,7
Aluminium loses 3 electrons from its outer shell giving it a charge of +3
10 .
What is the electronic configuration for an O2- ion?
2,7
2,8
2
2,8,2
Since an atom of oxygen has 6 electrons in its outer shell, to complete its outer shell it gains 2 electrons which is why the oxide ion has 2 negative charges
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Atomic structure

Author:  Kate Gardiner (Chemistry Educator & GCSE Quiz Writer)
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