Writing e- Configurations

[Jaci Glassick 2G]

How do we know when to write electron configurations with the noble gas abbreviation or when to write the whole thing out? Will we ever need to write the whole thing out or can we always use the noble gas abbreviation? I don't want to get points marked off on homework or on a midterm/test?

[Shannon Asay 1C]

I think either one would be marked as correct on a midterm, it's just the noble gas abbreviation makes it easier especially when you get further down on the periodic table when there are more shells.

[Jessica Tran_3K]

Hi!

I think most of the time, we would use the short hand configuration with the noble gases unless the question states to write out the entire thing.

[Haley Chun 4H]

I think you can always do the shortcut with the noble gases, as some of the full electron configurations can get pretty long. But if the element were Cl-, you couldn't just put [Ar] and would have to start with [Ne]....

[Leslie Magana 4C]

you could use both but just double check if the question explicitly states which one to write

[KaleenaJezycki_1I]

If the question doesn't explicitly state "write the full electron configuration" then you should be fine using short hand notation. If it's not stated then you choose what you feel more comfortable using.

[Ian Morris 3C]

Unless stated in the problem, it won´t matter which you choose. If you are still unsure, it wouldn´t hurt to write it all out.

[J Medina 2I]

I think you can assume you're able to write the shorthand notation unless told directly by the question to write the entire configuration out.

[Ruth Glauber 1C]

I think that you write the noble gas and then the other notation unless otherwise stated by the question.

[BCaballero_4F]

Usually the question will specify whether they want the whole thing written out or not.

[Kendra Barreras 3E]

Usually the question will be specific regarding what it wants, but my TA said that unless it states to do the FULL electron configuration to just do the notation using the noble gas.

[Nick Lewis 4F]

This is a good question- usually the shorthand convention is to use the last noble gas and then write out the configuration. However, when you first learn them, they usually want to see you write them out all the way. It isn't too difficult and pretty self explanatory.

[Haley Pham 4I]

It depends on what the question asks, it could either ask for the short-hand configuration, in which you would use the noble gas or the extended electron configuration,in which you would write out the full configuration.

[kendal mccarthy]

I think they would tell you to write out the whole e- config or the short-hand one. They would definitely specify which to use.

[J Medina 2I]

I think the question would specify if you had to use a specific notation.

[Jacob Villar 2C]

Unless specifically stated to write out the full electron configuration, I believe writing the configuration with the noble gas abbreviation would suffice.