Neon (Ne): Bohr Model, Protons, Neutrons & Electrons
Neon is element number 10, a noble gas in group 18, period 2. Its atom has 10 protons, 10 neutrons and 10 electrons arranged in 2 shells: 2, 8.
Protons, neutrons and electrons in neon
The atomic number of neon is 10, so every neon atom has 10 protons. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons, 10. The number of neutrons depends on the isotope: neutrons = mass number − atomic number. For neon-20, that is 20 − 10 = 10 neutrons. Neon has 3 stable isotopes, with 10, 11, 12 neutrons.
How to draw the Bohr model of neon
- Draw the nucleus and write 10 p⁺ and 10 n⁰ inside it.
- Draw the first shell and put 2 electrons on it (the first shell holds at most 2).
- Draw the second shell and put 8 electrons on it.
- Check: 2 + 8 = 10 electrons, the same as the number of protons.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of neon is [He] 2s² 2p⁶. Its 8 outer electrons decide how it reacts: its outer shell is full, so it hardly reacts at all.
Key facts about neon
| Symbol | Ne |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 10 |
| Relative atomic mass | 20.18 |
| Group · period · block | group 18 · period 2 · p-block |
| Type | Noble Gas |
| State at 25 °C | gas |
| Electron shells | 2, 8 |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² 2p⁶ |
| Valence electrons | 8 |
| Common ion | none: its outer shell is already full |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| First ionisation energy | 21.56 eV (2080 kJ/mol) |
| Atomic radius (empirical) | — |
Where neon sits on the periodic table
Frequently asked questions
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does neon have?
Neon has 10 protons and 10 electrons (atomic number 10). Its most common isotope, neon-20, has 20 − 10 = 10 neutrons.
What is the electron configuration of neon?
[He] 2s² 2p⁶. In shells that is 2, 8.
How many valence electrons does neon have?
8. Neon is in group 18, and its outer shell holds 8 electrons.
Where is neon on the periodic table?
In group 18, period 2, in the p-block. It is a noble gas.
