Neon (Ne): electron configuration, atomic mass and facts
Neon (Ne) is element 10 of the periodic table, a noble gas in period 2, group 18. Its electron configuration is [He] 2s2 2p6, with electrons arranged in shells 2, 8, and its standard atomic weight is 20.18 u.
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▶ Watch Neon’s electrons orbit in the interactive periodic tableNeon at a glance
| Symbol | Ne |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 10 |
| Atomic mass | 20.18 u |
| Category | Noble gas |
| Group | 18 |
| Period | 2 |
| Block | p-block |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 |
| Noble-gas shorthand | [He] 2s2 2p6 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8 |
| Outer-shell electrons | 8 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| State at 20 °C | gas |
Where is Neon on the periodic table?
Neon is in period 2, group 18, in the p-block. The period number matches its 2 electron shells, and the block names the subshell its last electrons fill. In the same group, Helium sits directly above it and Argon sits directly below it. Elements in one group have the same number of outer-shell electrons (8 here), which is why they react in similar ways.
How to work out the electron configuration of Neon
Put 10 electrons into subshells in order of rising energy, filling each before starting the next: 1s² (2), 2s² (4), 2p⁶ (10). In shorthand, [He] stands for the 2 electrons of helium, giving [He] 2s² 2p⁶.
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of Neon?
The electron configuration of Neon (Ne) is 1s2 2s2 2p6. In noble-gas shorthand it is written [He] 2s2 2p6.
How many electrons does Neon have in each shell?
Neon has 10 electrons arranged in shells as 2, 8. It has 8 electrons in its outer shell.
What is the atomic mass of Neon?
The standard atomic weight of Neon is 20.18 u, so one mole of Neon atoms has a mass of about 20.18 g.
Is Neon a metal?
No. Neon is a noble gas.
Explore nearby elements
More noble gass: Helium, Argon, Krypton, Xenon, Radon, Oganesson. See all elements on the periodic table.