Question

The maximum capacity of the first shell is

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B

2

Being the smallest, least energy and the closest shell to the nucleus, the first shell has the maximum capacity to hold only 2 electrons in it.

We can derive at this using the $2n^2$ rule. For the first shell (k-shell), n=1. Therefore, it can hold $2\times 1^2=2electrons$.