The maximum number of electrons that can occupy the shell with n = 3 is
Correct answer: C. 18
- A. 8
- B. 10
- C. 18
- D. 32
Explanation
The capacity of a shell is 2n squared, so for n equal to 3 that is 2 times 9, which is 18. Those 18 are distributed as 2 in the 3s, 6 in the 3p and 10 in the 3d subshells. The answer 8 is the common trap, taken from the octet rule rather than from the shell capacity.
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About Quantum Numbers
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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