Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct ground-state electron configuration for molybdenum (Mo)?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration
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How many electrons can the n = 4 shell hold in an atom?
A
16
B
32
C
24
D
8
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the principal quantum number $n$ defines the shell or energy level of an electron in an atom.
For a given shell $n$, the number of subshells (or types of orbitals) is equal to $n$. So for $n=4$, the subshells are $l = 0, 1, 2, 3$, corresponding to the $4s$, $4p$, $4d$, and $4f$ orbitals.
Each subshell contains a certain number of orbitals: $s$ has 1 orbital, $p$ has 3 orbitals, $d$ has 5 orbitals, and $f$ has 7 orbitals.
Calculate the total number of orbitals in the $n=4$ shell by summing the orbitals in each subshell: $1 + 3 + 5 + 7$.
Since each orbital can hold 2 electrons (with opposite spins), multiply the total number of orbitals by 2 to find the maximum number of electrons the $n=4$ shell can hold.
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