Question

Maximum number of electrons that can occupy s, p, d and f sub shells respectively are:

• A. 4, 5, 6, 7
• B. 2, 6, 10, 14
• C. 2, 4, 8, 16
• D. 1, 2, 3, 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2, 6, 10, 14

The maximum number of electrons in a subshell can be given by a formula $2\times \text{(2l + 1)}$.
For s subshell, the value of l = 0
Hence, maximum number of electrons in s-subshell = $2\times (2\times 0+1)$
= 2

$$\begin{array}{ccc}Subshell& Valueofl& Maximumnumberofelectronsinthesubshell(2\times (2l+1\left)\right)\\ s& 0& 2\times (2\times (0)+1)=2\\ p& 1& 2\times (2\times (1)+1)=6\\ d& 2& 2\times (2\times (2)+1)=10\\ f& 3& 2\times (2\times (3)+1)=14\end{array}$$