Multiple Choice
How many electrons can occupy all orbitals with the principal quantum number n = 3 in an atom?
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9. Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Numbers: Number of Electrons
Multiple Choice
What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the third energy level (n = 3) in an atom?
A
6
B
18
C
8
D
32
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the maximum number of electrons in a given energy level (principal quantum number \( n \)) is determined by the number of orbitals available in that level and the fact that each orbital can hold up to 2 electrons.
The number of orbitals in an energy level is given by \( n^2 \). For \( n = 3 \), calculate the number of orbitals as \( 3^2 = 9 \).
Since each orbital can hold 2 electrons, multiply the number of orbitals by 2 to find the maximum number of electrons: \( 9 \times 2 \).
Therefore, the maximum number of electrons in the third energy level is \( 2n^2 \), which for \( n = 3 \) becomes \( 2 \times 3^2 \).
This calculation gives the total maximum electrons that can occupy the third energy level.
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