Question

The number of orbitals and the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a principal quantum level are:

1. n and 2n
2. n² and 2n²
3. 2n² and 4n²
4. n and 2n²

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : n² and 2n²

The correct answer is n2 and 2n2

CONCEPT:

• Pauli’s exclusion principle: According to this principle, no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. It can also be stated as only two electrons may exist in the same orbital and these electrons must have opposite spin.
• For example, in subshell 1s there will be one orbital and the maximum number of electrons accommodated is equal to 2. These two electrons will have opposite spins.

EXPLANATION:

• According to this principle, the maximum number of electrons in the shell with principal quantum number n is equal to 2n².
• For n = 2, number of orbitals = 4 and maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in it = 2 × 2² = 8