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The Electron Dot Diagram - The Basics of Bonding
Once we have done this we can see that the atom of any element has between one and eight electrons in its outer shell. This determines both its chemical properties and the Group it is placed in in the Periodic Table. It is the outer shell electrons that give an element its chemical properties and with this knowledge we can see clearly how modern photovoltaic solar solar cell operates. The following elements are all from the second period, or row, of the Periodic Table. All the other elements in the same column (also called Group) of the periodic table have the same outer shell electron configuration as the example given. The colours of the atoms are merely for decoration. Please excuse the repetition, but it is necessary for a clear explanation of the differences between the elements discussed. Lithium A neutral atom of Lithium has three protons and three electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s1, meaning it has ONE electron in its outermost shell.
Beryllium A neutral atom of Beryllium has four protons and four electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2, meaning it has TWO electron in its outermost shell.
Boron A neutral atom of Boron has five protons and five electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2 2p1, meaning it has THREE electron in its outermost shell.
Carbon A neutral atom of Carbon has six protons and six electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2 2p2, meaning it has FOUR electron in its outermost shell.
Nitrogen A neutral atom of Nitrogen has seven protons and seven electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2 2p3, meaning it has FIVE electron in its outermost shell.
Oxygen A neutral atom of Oxygen has eight protons and eight electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2 2p4, meaning it has SIX electron in its outermost shell.
Fluorine A neutral atom of Fluorine has nine protons and nine electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2 2p5, meaning it has SEVEN electron in its outermost shell.
Neon A neutral atom of Neon has ten protons and ten electrons, giving an electron configuration of: 1s2 2s2 2p6, meaning it has EIGHT electron in its outermost shell.
The electron dot diagram given for each element can be used to easily explain how different elements bond together in order to achieve a full outer shell of eight electrons and therefore maximum stability. This topic is thoroughly addressed in Solar Chemistry 2.
Return from The Electron Dot Diagram - The Basics of Bonding to The Chemistry or return to the Green Planet home page for more Solar Power Facts.
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