NYC Chemistry Regents Electron Configuration

[Shlr]

Well, I have to find the electron configuration of ions. Relatively simple. But since I don't know how to do it, it's hard.

I've seen some past chemistry regents electron configurations and that's too complicated for me. I'm talking about e.c. like 2-8-2. That sort of electron configuration.

I need help on how to find out the electron configuration of cations and anions.

Does it have to do with removing electrons, like from 2-8-2 to 2-8-1.

Consider F- or H-. Or H2+. Since my computer can't do this, the -'s and +'s are like subsets. Smaller and on the top right corner.

EDIT: How do you tell if the electron configuration represents electrons in an excited state? Like how is 2-7-2 in an excited state? The one less electron?

 

[Nino MMP]

The electron configuration of an ion usually involves removing electrons from the neutral atom's electron configuration. To determine whether an electron configuration is in an excited state, look at the energy levels of the electrons in the configuration. If the electrons occupy higher energy levels than the electrons in the neutral atom's electron configuration, then the electron configuration is in an excited state. For example, in the case of H2+, the electron configuration would be 1s1, which is in an excited state because the electrons are occupying a higher energy level than the 1s2 configuration of the neutral hydrogen atom.