Question

Write the shorthand version of the electron configuration of an element that has eight electrons.

I came up with the configuration as 1s^2-2s^2-2p^4, but how do I write the shorthand version of an element that has not been specified?

Answer 1

If it has 8 electrons you have the right configuration. You may not know the elements name but that is how it must be for 8 electrons. If you knew the element had a zero charge (not an ion), then you would know O was the element since that has 8 electrons.
8 0 = 1s2 2s2 2p4
But if it has a -1 charge it would be
7N^-1 = 1s2 2s2 2p4 or a 02 charge it would be
6C^2- = 1s2 2s2 2p4
etc.

Answer 2

Yes, but how do I write the shorthand version?

Answer 3

[He]2s2 2p4

Answer 4

Yes.