Electron Configuration Question

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There are two main types of electron configurations: the spdf notation and the numerical representation like 2 8 8 2. The spdf notation refers to the symbols of orbitals, while the numerical format indicates the total number of electrons in each shell. The Bohr model outlines electron configurations based on major energy levels, with a maximum capacity for electrons determined by the formula 2n². For instance, calcium (element #20) has a configuration of 2, 8, 8, 2, reflecting the filling of these energy levels. In contrast, the spdf configurations are derived from the Schrödinger Quantum Model and follow the Aufbau Principle, which dictates that electrons fill the lowest available energy levels first. Understanding these configurations requires knowledge of atomic models and their historical development, which can provide deeper insights into the evolution of electron configurations.
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There are two kind of electron configuration as I read so far.
There are one such as spdf and other such as, for example, 2 8 8 2.
What is the name of these electron configurations?
What is the difference?
 
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spdf are symbols of orbitals, it is not a symbol of the "configuration". I am not sure what the numbers listed are intended to mean - probably total number of electrons on the shell. No idea if it has any specific name.

Hard to explain details without lecturing on what the configuration really is. Read on and things should get clear at some point.
 
Electron configurations are derived from Atomic Models... The Bohr (Concentric Ring) Model specifies electron configurations with respect to the number of electrons per 'major' energy levels... That is, for any given energy level, the maximum number of electrons a major energy level can hold is given by the expression 2n2 => n=1 => 2(1)2 = 2e- max; n=2 => 2(2)2 = 8e- max; n=3 => 2(3)2 = 18e- max; etc... For any given element, electrons are added into the n = 1 first, then n = 2, n = 3; etc. Such gives the (2,8,8,2) configuration for element #20 (calcium) ... Adding electrons beyond At. No. 20 fills in the n = 3 energy level until 18 total electrons are placed then n = 4 in the 4th row is completed with 8 electrons, then n=5 and so on.

For the orbital electron configurations, the notations describe electron configurations for the Schrodinger Quantum Model. The filling scheme is defined by The Aufbau Principle which states 'In the building up process of the atom's electron configuration, electrons enter at the lowest available energy level'. Such follows, in general, the order-of-filling scheme known as the Aufbau Diagram. Example, [N]1s22s22p3 and so on... Whew! Borek's right, this can run into a day long lecture... Suggest searching history of atomic models... You should find some good treaties on the evolution of electron configurations.
 
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