Multiple Choice
How many d orbitals exist in a single energy level where the principal quantum number n = 3 of an atom?
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9. Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Numbers: Principal Quantum Number
Multiple Choice
What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p orbital?
A
1
B
2
C
6
D
3
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that an orbital is a region in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Each orbital can hold a specific maximum number of electrons.
Understand that the p subshell consists of three p orbitals (px, py, pz), each oriented differently in space, but the question asks about a single p orbital, not the entire p subshell.
Apply the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that an orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, and these electrons must have opposite spins.
Therefore, the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p orbital is 2.
Note that while the entire p subshell can hold 6 electrons (2 per orbital × 3 orbitals), the question specifically focuses on just one p orbital.
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