How many electrons can fit in the orbital for which n = 3 and l = 1?
- 2
- 6
- 10
- 14
Answer
(2) 6
Solution
n = 3 and l = 1 represent the 3p subshell.
⇒ For l = 1, ml = -1, 0, +1, i.e., there are three 3p orbitals (3px, 3py, 3pz).
∵ Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons (Pauli exclusion principle),
∴ maximum number of electrons = 3 2 = 6
Answer: (2)