Title: Interactive Electron Configuration Tool for Chemistry
Presenter: Professor John Taylor
Florida State College @ Jacksonville
Abstract:
The presenter has created a HTLM/Javascript interactive web site for students to place electrons into atomic orbitals to write the complete electron configuration of an atom. The web site is found at:
http://www.fscj.me/e_config/e-1instruct.html
A second web site has been developed which allows the student to click on an element on the periodic chart and the complete electron configuration is shown including the spectroscopic notation. This web site is found at:
http://fscj.me/e-1Spectroscopic/pc.html
Full Description:
Chemistry software packages developed to enhance the teaching atomic theory are mostly static in nature. Chemistry is based on: where are the electrons in the atom? and were they are electrons missing.
Biology faculty typically teach the satellite model of the atom suggested by Bohr in 1913 with electrons orbiting the nucleus like planets around a sun.
The quantum mechanical model of the atom rejects the satellite model for a probability model.
Electrons are found in sub energies levels call orbitals starting at the nucleus and occupying regions of space outside the nucleus. These orbitals are labeled s, p, d, f; named after the observed line spectra (sharp, principle, diffuse, and fine spectra lines). The orbital model demonstrates that electrons are found in pairs making the easy transition to the bonding concepts of electron pairs.
The orbital diagram uses lines, circles or squares to represent orbitals with arrows representing electrons. The arrows are pointing up and down to represent opposite spinning electrons.