3D Bohr-model representation of the Carbon atom (symbol C, atomic number Z=6). Electron shell configuration: 2, 4 electrons.
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Bohr model · educational
Bohr model of carbon
Carbon (C) has 6 electrons, spread over 2 shells. The diagram places them on circles around the nucleus, from the K shell — the closest — outward.
| Shell | Electrons |
|---|---|
| K (n = 1) | 2 |
| L (n = 2) | 4 |
The Bohr model is a teaching picture: electrons do not travel in circular orbits, but the number of electrons per shell is exact.
Related lesson
The simplified atomic model
Nucleus, electrons, neutral atom. Why an atom is defined by its atomic number. The 118 elements of the table.
9 minElectron configuration
Full1s² 2s² 2p²
Short[He] 2s² 2p²
Valence electrons4
KLMNOPQ shells
K2
L4
Electronegativity
Pauling2.55
Allen2.544
Mulliken (eV)—
Atomic radii
Empirical70 pm
Calculated67 pm
Covalent76 pm
Van der Waals170 pm
Ionic radii (Shannon-Prewitt)
+416 pm
-4260 pm
Successive ionisation energies
I₁1086.5 kJ/mol
I₂2352.6 kJ/mol
I₃4620.5 kJ/mol
I₄6222.7 kJ/mol
I₅37831 kJ/mol
Electron affinity153.9 kJ/mol
Oxidation states
-4-3-2-10+1+2+3+4
Bold states = most common.
Warm-up
Carbon — do you remember?
3 questions on this page. The right answer shows every time, and nothing is asked of you to play.
No account · one minute