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Period 1 element

First-period elements, hydrogen (H) and helium (He), are characterized by having electrons only in the first energy level. This shell can hold a maximum of two electrons in the \(1s\) orbital. For hydrogen, the electron configuration is \(1s^1\), meaning it has a single electron on this orbital. Helium, with two electrons, has the configuration \(1s^2\), which completely fills the first shell, making this element stable and chemically inert.

The simplicity of the electron configurations \(1s^1\) for hydrogen and \(1s^2\) for helium defines the unique properties of these elements. Hydrogen, with one unpaired electron, is highly reactive and can form bonds by either gaining or sharing an electron to achieve a full outer shell. In contrast, helium’s filled \(1s^1\) orbital provides it with a complete, stable configuration similar to other noble gases, making it nearly non-reactive.

These two elements establish the first period of the periodic table, distinguished by their minimal electron structure and foundational role in understanding atomic theory.


Published: 2024-10-31 16:08:18
Updated: 2024-10-31 16:09:56

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