Maximum number of electrons in a subshell is given by:
Correct answer: B. 2 (2l + 1)
- A. 2 (2l - 1)
- B. 2 (2l + 1)
- C. 2(l + 1)
- D. 2l + 1
Explanation
The maximum number of electrons in a subshell is given by the formula 2n², where "n" represents the principal quantum number of the subshell. In the context of the electron configuration of atoms, subshells are defined by the azimuthal quantum number (also known as the orbital angular momentum quantum number), denoted by the letters s, p, d, f, and so on. Each subshell can accommodate a specific maximum number of electrons.For example:- The s subshell (with n = 1) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons (2 x 1² = 2).- The p subshell (with n = 2) can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (2 x 2² = 8).- The d subshell (with n = 3) can hold a maximum of 10 electrons (2 x 3² = 18).- The f subshell (with n = 4) can hold a maximum of 14 electrons (2 x 4² = 32).This formula is based on the Pauli exclusion principle and the rules of quantum mechanics, which dictate the allowed number of electrons in each subshell and the filling order of orbitals within the subshells.L= azimuthal quantum numberL=n-1, where n is the principal quantum number Some values of l are as follows:s=0, p=1, d=2, f=3The numbers of orbitals in a subshell are equal to 2l+1Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, so the maximum number of electrons in a subshell can be calculated using 2(2l+1)Therefore, the correct answer is B.(Source: PCTB page no. 143)
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Quantum numbers describe an electron's energy level, subshell, orbital orientation and spin. You examine the principal, azimuthal, magnetic and spin quantum numbers, their allowed values, orbital capacity and how they determine electronic configurations and distinguish electrons within an atom.
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