The maximum number of electrons in a subshell is given by the expression

General
1

the maximum number of electrons in a subshell is given by the expression

2

The maximum number of electrons in a subshell

Answer:
In an atom, electrons are arranged in subshells according to a specific pattern. Each subshell can hold a maximum number of electrons, which is determined by the expression 2n^2, where “n” represents the principal quantum number of the subshell. The principal quantum number n can take on integer values starting from 1, which corresponds to the first energy level (K shell), 2 for the second energy level (L shell), 3 for the third energy level (M shell), and so on.

For example:

  • When n=1 (K shell), the maximum number of electrons in the subshell is 2(1)^2 = 2.
  • When n=2 (L shell), the maximum number of electrons in the subshell is 2(2)^2 = 8.
  • When n=3 (M shell), the maximum number of electrons in the subshell is 2(3)^2 = 18.
  • And so on.

This expression helps us understand the electron capacity of different subshells within an atom and is a fundamental concept in chemistry and quantum mechanics.