A step-by-step description of how to write the electron configuration for Aluminum (Al). In order to write the Al electron configuration we first need to know the number of electrons for the Al atom (there are 13 electrons). When we write the configuration we'll put all 13 electrons in orbitals around the nucleus of the Aluminum atom. In this video we'll use the electron configuration chart to help us write the notation for Aluminum. Note that the last term in the Aluminum electron configuration will be 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 2p1. 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. Get more chemistry help at http://www.thegeoexchange.org/chemistry/