Chapter 5, Problem 14STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The information provided by an electron dot structure needs to be compared with electronic configuration.

Concept introduction:

Electronic configuration of an element explains how the electrons are distributed in their atomic orbitals. Electronic configurations of the atoms are written in such a way that the atomic sub-shells containing electrons are placed in a sequence and the number of electrons present in them are written in the superscript.

Answer to Problem 14STP

Electron dot structure provides information about the number of valence electrons of an atom while the electronic configuration explains how the electrons distributed in their atomic orbitals.

Explanation of Solution

Electron dot diagram or Lewis electron dot diagram is a representation of valence electrons of an atom making use of dots around the symbol of the element. Thus, the total number of valence electrons in an atom is equal to the number of dots.

Electronic configuration of an element explains how the electrons are distributed in their atomic orbitals. Electronic configurations of the atoms are written in such a way that the atomic sub-shells containing electrons are placed in a sequence and the number of electrons present in them are written in the superscript.

Conclusion

Electron dot structure provides information about the number of valence electrons of an atom while the electronic configuration explains how the electrons distributed in their atomic orbitals.