What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p subshell?
Practice Questions
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What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p subshell?
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A p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons, as it has three orbitals each capable of holding 2 electrons.
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
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Q
Q: What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p subshell?
Solution: A p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons, as it has three orbitals each capable of holding 2 electrons.
Steps: 6
Step 1: Understand what a subshell is. A subshell is a group of orbitals within an atom where electrons can be found.
Step 2: Identify the type of subshell in question. Here, we are looking at a 'p' subshell.
Step 3: Know how many orbitals are in a p subshell. A p subshell has 3 orbitals.
Step 4: Remember that each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
Step 5: Calculate the total number of electrons in a p subshell. Multiply the number of orbitals (3) by the number of electrons each can hold (2): 3 orbitals * 2 electrons/orbital = 6 electrons.
Step 6: Conclude that the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p subshell is 6.
