Chapter 3, Problem 1CTQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:Maximum number of electrons that can fit in a single orbital either should be determined.

Concept introduction:The shape of three p-orbital is illustrated as follows:

  

Answer to Problem 1CTQ

Two electrons are maximum occupancy of each of the orbitals $2s$ , $2p_{\text{x}}$ , $2p_{\text{y}}$ and $2p_{\text{z}}$ .

Explanation of Solution

The second shell has four orbitals namely $2s$ , $2p_{\text{x}}$ , $2p_{\text{y}}$ and $2p_{\text{z}}$ . The maximum occupancy of this shell is given by expression as follows:

  $\text{maximum occupancy}=2{\text{n}}^2$

Where, $\text{n}$ is shell number.

Inthe second shell, maximum electrons to be accommodated are $2{\left(2\right)}^2$ or eight electrons. Hence, it is evident that each orbital of second shell can have maximum of two electrons.