Chapter 23, Problem 78A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the number of orbitals in the p-subshell.

Concept Introduction: Subshells contain electrons that share the same angular momentum quantum number. The maximum number of electrons that can fit the subshell depends on the type of the subshell. It behaves as a pathway for the movement of electrons in a shell. Each orbital in a subshell can hold up to a maximum of two electrons.

Answer to Problem 78A

Three (3) orbitals.

Explanation of Solution

The principal quantum number of the p-subshell is 2; therefore, the angular quantum number of the p-subshell will be (n-1) that is equal to (2-1) = 1. Here, n is the principal quantum number. Since the angular quantum number of the p-subshell is 1 it can have three orbitals which are -1, 0, 1. The three orbitals are ${\text{P}}_{\text{x}}{\text{,P}}_{\text{y}}{\text{,P}}_{\text{z}}$ . Since there are three orbitals in the p-subshell there is a chance of accommodating 6 electrons in the p-subshell.

Conclusion

The number of orbitals in a particular subshell is given by its magnetic quantum number which has values of $-l$ to $+l$ , where $l$ is the angular quantum number.