Question

According to Pauli's Exclusion Principle, what is the maximum number of electrons that can be present in d-obitals and f-orbitals? Explain.

Answer 1

1. The Pauli Exclusion Principle states that, in an atom or molecule, no two electrons can have the same four electronic quantum numbers.
2. As an orbital can contain a maximum of only two electrons, the two electrons must have opposing spins.
3. The s subshell has one orbital with two electrons, the p subshell has three orbitals with six electrons, the d subshell has five orbitals with ten electrons, and the f subshell has seven orbitals with fourteen electrons.
4. Hence, the maximum number of electrons that can be present in d-orbitals is 10 electrons.
5. The maximum number of electrons that can be present in f-orbitals is 14 electrons.