Ts
Interactive Shell Diagram

Tennessine Bohr Model, Electron Shell Diagram

Visualize the exact electron shell distribution of Tennessine (Ts). Its 117 total electrons orbit the microscopic nucleus across 7 quantum energy shells in the specific mathematical pattern 2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 32 – 18 – 7.

Atomic Number: Z = 117Symbol: TsShells: 7Shell Pattern: 2-8-18-32-32-18-7Valence e⁻: 7

Live Bohr Shell Diagram

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Shell Distribution:2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 32 – 18 – 7

Tennessine Nuclear Composition

Protons, neutrons, and electrons at a glance

Protons

117

Positive charge carriers in the nucleus

Neutrons

177

Neutral mass carriers in the nucleus

Electrons

117

Across 7 shells: 2-8-18-32-32-18-7

Detailed Bohr Model Analysis

Tennessine's traditional Bohr model diagram provides a spectacular two-dimensional blueprint of its subatomic structure. By plotting its 117 negatively charged electrons rotating around a positively charged nucleus (containing 117 protons and approximately 177 neutrons), we can visually decrypt its chemical properties.

Across its 7 electron shells, Tennessine distributes its electrons in the following exact hierarchical sequence, from the innermost ring outward: 2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 32 – 18 – 7.

Applying the Bohr Rules to Tennessine

The Bohr model, introduced by Niels Bohr in 1913, radically changed our understanding of atomic structure by proposing that electrons orbit the nucleus in strictly quantized circular energy levels (or 'shells'). For Tennessine, we apply the 2n² rule, which states that the maximum electron capacity of any given shell is determined by two times the shell number (n) squared.

In the case of Tennessine, its 117 total electrons stack outward from the nucleus. The innermost K-shell (n=1) holds 2 electrons. The L-shell (n=2) holds 8. This stacking continues geometrically until we map the entire 2 – 8 – 18 – 32 – 32 – 18 – 7 sequence. Because Tennessine is a high-mass transuranic or deep-period element, its inner shells are packed with immense density—holding up to 32 electrons in a single shell. This massive inner core creates a powerful electrostatic shield, severely shielding the outermost electrons from the nucleus and introducing complex relativistic contraction.

The Role of Tennessine's Valence Electrons

When analyzing the Bohr model of Tennessine, the absolute most critical ring is the outermost shell. This layer holds exactly 7 valence electrons.

In chemistry, the core electrons (the inner rings) are chemically inert. They do not participate in bonding. All chemical reactivity, covalent sharing, and ionic transfers are conducted exclusively by the valence electrons. Because Tennessine has 7 valence electrons, it inherently seeks to achieve a stable "octet" (a full outer shell of 8 electrons, or 2 for lightweight elements). Holding more than 4 valence electrons means Tennessine is highly electronegative. It aggressively steals or shares electrons from surrounding elements to perfectly complete its outer ring, typically forming strong covalent bonds or electronegative anions.

Bohr Shell Rules (Quick Reference)

  • 2n² Rule: Shell n holds a maximum of 2n² electrons.
  • Octet Rule: The outermost (valence) shell holds a max of 8 electrons for chemical stability.
  • Aufbau Order: Electrons fill from innermost shell outward.
  • Valence = Reactivity: The electrons in the last shell dictate how the element bonds.

Chemical & Physical Overview

The element Tennessine, represented universally by the chemical symbol Ts, holds the atomic number 117. This means that a standard neutral atom of Tennessine possesses exactly 117 protons within its dense nucleus, orbited precisely by 117 electrons. With a standard atomic weight of approximately 294.000 atomic mass units (u), Tennessine is classified fundamentally as a halogen.

From a periodic standpoint, Tennessine resides in Period 7 and Group 17 of the periodic table, placing it firmly within the p-block. The overarching category of an element—whether it behaves as an alkali metal, a halogen, a noble gas, or a transition metal—is determined exclusively by how these electrons fill the available quantum shells.

Diving deeper into its physical footprint, Tennessine exhibits a calculated atomic radius of 138 picometers (pm). When attempting to physically remove an electron from its outermost shell, it requires a primary ionization energy of an undetermined amount of eV. Furthermore, its tendency to attract shared electrons in a covalent chemical bond—known as its electronegativity—measures at no measurable electronegativity (typical of perfectly stable noble gases). These specific subatomic metrics (radius, ionization, and electron affinity) combine to define exactly how Tennessine interacts, bonds, and reacts with every other chemical element in the observable universe.

Atomic Properties — Tennessine

Atomic Mass

294 u

Electronegativity

0 (Pauling)

Block / Group

P-block, Group 17

Period

Period 7

Atomic Radius

138 pm

Ionization Energy

N/A

Electron Affinity

0 eV

Category

Halogen

Oxidation States

+5+3+1-1

Real-World Applications

Superheavy Halogen Chemistry (Predicted)ORNL-JINR-Vanderbilt Research CollaborationRelativistic 7p⁵ Chemistry StudiesNuclear Decay SpectroscopyOganesson Precursor via Alpha Decay

Real-World Applications & Industrial Uses

The distinct electronic structure of Tennessine directly empowers its functionality in the physical world. Its specific combination of atomic radius, electron affinity, and valence shell configuration makes it absolutely indispensable across modern industry, biological systems, and advanced technology.

Here are the primary real-world applications of Tennessine:

  • Superheavy Halogen Chemistry (Predicted): Its baseline chemical reactivity makes it specifically suited for this primary role.
  • ORNL-JINR-Vanderbilt Research Collaboration: Used heavily in advanced manufacturing and chemical processing.
  • Relativistic 7p⁵ Chemistry Studies
  • Nuclear Decay Spectroscopy
  • Oganesson Precursor via Alpha Decay

    Without the specific quantum mechanics occurring microscopically within Tennessine's electron cloud, these macroscopic technologies and biological processes would fundamentally fail to operate.

  • Did You Know?

    Named after Tennessee (home of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Vanderbilt University, and University of Tennessee). Synthesized in 2010 at JINR by bombarding Bk-249 with Ca-48. Tennessine may not behave like a halogen — relativistic effects could make it behave more like an astatine/post-transition metal hybrid. Its predicted ionization energy is comparable to lead.

    Shell-by-Shell Capacity Table

    How each of Tennessine's 7 shells compare to their theoretical maximum

    ShellSymbolElectrons (This Element)Max Capacity (2n²)Fill %
    1K (n=1)22
    100%
    2L (n=2)88
    100%
    3M (n=3)1818
    100%
    4N (n=4)3232
    100%
    5O (n=5)3250
    64%
    6P (n=6)1872
    25%
    7Q (n=7)798
    7%

    Shell Comparison: Tennessine vs Neighbors

    ← Previous Element

    Lv

    Livermorium

    Z=116

    2-8-18-32-32-18-6 shells

    View Bohr Model

    ⬤ Current

    Ts

    Tennessine

    Z=117

    2-8-18-32-32-18-7 shells

    Next Element →

    Og

    Oganesson

    Z=118

    2-8-18-32-32-18-8 shells

    View Bohr Model

    Frequently Asked Questions — Tennessine Bohr Model

    Authoritative References

    The atomic and structural data for Tennessine provided on this page has been cross-referenced with primary chemical databases. For further primary-source research, consult the following global authorities:

    Bohr Models for All 118 Elements

    Toni Tuyishimire — Principal Software Engineer, Toni Tech Solution
    Technical AuthorFact CheckedLast Reviewed: April 2026

    Toni Tuyishimire

    Principal Software EngineerScience & EdTech Systems

    Toni is specialized in high-performance computational tools and complex STEM visualizations. Through Toni Tech Solution, he architects scientifically accurate, deterministic software systems designed to educate and empower global digital audiences.