A step-by-step description of how to write the electron configuration for Iron (Fe).

In order to write the electron configuration for Iron (Fe) we first need to know the number of electrons for the Fe atom (there are 26 electrons). When we write the configuration, we&put all 26 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Iron atom. Either way, the Iron electron configuration will be 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d6 4s2 Note that when writing the electron configuration for an atom like Fe, the 3d is written before the 4s. While you will see it written with the 4s before the 3d, it is more accurate with the 3d first. Both of the configurations have the correct numbers of electrons in each orbital, it is just a matter of how the electronic configuration notation is written. The configuration notation provides an easy way for scientists to write and communicate how electrons are arranged around the nucleus of an atom. This makes it easier to understand and predict how atoms will interact to form chemical bonds.