What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p-orbital?

Practice Questions

Q1
What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p-orbital?
  1. 2
  2. 6
  3. 10
  4. 14

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p-orbital?
Correct Answer: 2
  • Step 1: Understand what a p-orbital is. A p-orbital is a region in an atom where electrons are likely to be found.
  • Step 2: Know that each orbital can hold a certain number of electrons. This is based on the Pauli Exclusion Principle.
  • Step 3: The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that no two electrons can have the same set of quantum numbers.
  • Step 4: Since each electron has a unique spin (either 'up' or 'down'), a single orbital can hold 2 electrons with opposite spins.
  • Step 5: Therefore, a single p-orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
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