What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the second energy level (n=2)?

JAMB Chemistry 2023 58 views

What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the second energy level (n=2)?

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

Explanation

The second energy level contains one s orbital and three p orbitals. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.

Counting the electrons: the 2s orbital holds 2 electrons, and the three 2p orbitals hold 6 electrons total. Adding these gives 2 + 6 = 8 electrons.

The formula 2n² also predicts maximum electrons per level. For n=2, this gives 2(2)² = 2(4) = 8 electrons in the second energy level.

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