Question

P-subshell can accommodate a maximum of how many electrons ?
A. 6
B. 8
C. 4
D. 2

Answer 1

Hint: We know that p subshell have 3 orbitals. Also we know that maximum number electrons can be occupied in a orbital is equal to two. Hence the maximum number of electrons that a subshell can accommodate it twice to that of number of orbitals.


Complete solution:
In an atom shells have subshells and subshells have orbitals, where electrons are found. There are four types of subshells S, P, D, F. In these subshells electrons of atom are present a definite number of electrons can be present in a definite subshell.
In every orbital there can be maximum two electrons. S subshell has 1 orbital, P has 3, D has 5 and F has 7 orbitals.
In every atom there are many shells like K, L, M, N. These shells are divided into subshells and subshells are divided into orbitals, electrons can be found in the orbitals only.
A subshell is a group of orbitals. The orbitals of a specific subshell share same principal quantum number and angular momentum quantum number.
Scientist found that, a specific number of electrons can be present in a specific subshell,
While, in any orbital of atom up to 2 electrons can be present.
S-subshell has one orbital and can contain up to 2 electrons
P-subshell has 3 orbitals and can contain up to 6 electrons
D-subshell has 5 orbitals and can contain up to 10 electrons
F-subshell has 7 orbitals and can contain up to 14 electrons

Hence the correct option is (A).


Note: S-orbitals have spherical shape, p-orbitals have dumbbell shape, d-orbitals have double dumbbell shape, f-orbitals have tetrahedral shape,
different subshells in atom have different energy.