Chapter 4: Structure of the Atom

A carbon atom contains a total of 6 electrons. The following equation describes the electron distribution in a carbon atom: first orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; second orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; third orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; fourth orbit or K-shell

L-shell or second orbit = 4 electrons

We can also express the electron distribution in a carbon atom as 2, 4.

In a sodium atom, there are 11 total electrons. The electron distribution in the sodium atom is described by: first orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; second orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; third orbit or K-shell = 2 electrons; fourth orbit or K-shell = 2

L-shell or second orbit = 8 electrons

M-shell or third orbit = 1 electron

Alternatively, we can express the electron distribution in a sodium atom as 2, 8, 1.

K shell can hold 2 electrons.

L shell can hold 8 electrons.

Hence, when both the shells are full, the total number of electrons present in the atom = 2+8 = 10 electrons.