Open Question
In what way are the electron configurations of H, Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs similar?
834
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
The Electron Configuration: Quantum Numbers
Multiple Choice
What is the maximum number of electrons that an s subshell can hold?
A
2
B
6
C
10
D
14
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that each subshell is defined by the azimuthal quantum number \( l \), where \( l = 0 \) corresponds to the s subshell.
Understand that the s subshell has only one orbital because the magnetic quantum number \( m_l \) can only be 0 when \( l = 0 \).
Remember that each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, one with spin up and one with spin down, according to the Pauli exclusion principle.
Calculate the maximum number of electrons in the s subshell by multiplying the number of orbitals by the number of electrons per orbital: \( 1 \times 2 = 2 \).
Therefore, the s subshell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
Related Videos
Related Practice
