Question

to show the electron configuration for an atom, when would it be better to use an orbital notation than to use a written configuration with numbers, letters, and superscripts?
when the aim is to use less space
when the aim is to show electron spins
when the aim is to show orbital shapes in subshells
when the aim is to show electron distributions in shells

Explanation:

Orbital notation uses arrows to represent electrons in orbitals and can show the spin of electrons (up - spin or down - spin). Written configuration with numbers, letters and superscripts only shows the number of electrons in each sub - shell and not the electron spins. It doesn't use less space, doesn't show orbital shapes and both can show electron distribution in shells.

Answer:

when the aim is to show electron spins