Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Electron Shells
Electron shells are the regions around an atom's nucleus where electrons are likely to be found. Each shell is associated with a principal quantum number (n), which indicates its energy level and distance from the nucleus. The third shell corresponds to n=3, while the fourth shell corresponds to n=4.
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Orbitals
Orbitals are specific regions within electron shells where electrons are likely to be located. Each shell can contain multiple orbitals, which are categorized into types (s, p, d, f) based on their shape and energy. The number of orbitals in a shell is determined by the formula n^2, where n is the principal quantum number.
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Calculating Orbitals in Shells
To find the total number of orbitals in a given shell, you apply the formula n^2. For the third shell (n=3), the total number of orbitals is 3^2 = 9. For the fourth shell (n=4), the total number of orbitals is 4^2 = 16. This calculation is essential for understanding electron configuration and chemical bonding.
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