How many electrons can be accommodated in the first energy level (shell) of an atom?

JAMB Chemistry 2023 67 views

How many electrons can be accommodated in the first energy level (shell) of an atom?

  1. 2 electrons ✓
  2. 8 electrons
  3. 18 electrons
  4. 32 electrons

Explanation

The first energy level contains only one orbital called the 1s orbital. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.

Hydrogen has one electron in this level, and helium has two electrons, completely filling the first shell. No more electrons can fit in this smallest energy level.

Subsequent energy levels hold more electrons because they contain additional types of orbitals. The pattern follows the formula 2n², where n is the shell number.

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