What is the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in all the completely filled atomic — Atomic Structure Chemistry Question
Question
What is the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in all the completely filled atomic orbitals for which the principal quantum number $n=4$ and the azimuthal quantum number $l=3$?
Answer: A
💡 Solution & Explanation
The combination $n=4$ and $l=3$ corresponds exclusively to the $4f$ subshell. The number of degenerate orbitals in a subshell is given by $(2l + 1)$. For $l=3$, there are $2(3) + 1 = 7$ orbitals. Since each orbital can hold a maximum of $2$ electrons (Pauli exclusion principle), the maximum capacity is $7 \times 2 = 14$ electrons.
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