Method of doing electronic configuration

1.Find your atom's atomic number.

2.Determine the charge of the atom

3.Memorize the basic list of orbitals

4.Understand electron configuration notation

For example, here is a simple electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6. This configuration shows that there are two electrons in the 1s orbital set, two electrons in the 2s orbital set, and six electrons in the 2p orbital set. 2 + 2 + 6 = 10 electrons total. This electron configuration is for an uncharged neon atom (neon's atomic number is 10.)

5.Memorize the order of the orbitals

6.Fill in the orbitals according to the number of electrons in your atom.

Thus, the electron configuration for calcium is: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2.

Note: Energy level changes as you go up. For example, when you are about to go up to the 4th energy level, it becomes 4s first, then 3d. After the fourth energy level, you'll move onto the 5th where it follows the order once again. This only happens after the 3rd energy level.