Question

What is the maximum number of electrons that the first two shells of an atom can occupy?

• A. 8
• B. 2
• C. 18
• D. 32

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2

The maximum number of electrons in the ${\text{n}}^{\text{th}}$ orbit can be calculated by the formula ${\text{2n}}^{\text{2}}$.

K-shell is the first shell of an atom which is closest to the nucleus. Here, n=1
Therefore, maximum number of electrons that the K shell can occupy is ${\text{2 (1)}}^{\text{2}}=2$.

L-shell is the is the second shell of an atom which is closest to the nucleus. Here, n=2
Therefore, maximum number of electrons that the L shell can occupy is ${\text{2 (2)}}^{\text{2}}=8$.