Electron configuration notation has a particular format shown below.

When writing electron configurations, be sure to account for all electrons and assign an energy level and sublevel to each. Electron configuration notations always start with 1s and proceed to higher energy levels until all electrons have been accounted for.

How do you know the order? The elements on the periodic table are listed in order of lowest to the highest energy. Read it left to right, top to bottom. The image below is an example of how you can mark your periodic table to help you with electron configuration.

Watch this video to learn how to write electron configurations.

Now let’s try to write a couple of electron configurations together. Use the periodic table to help you.