The maximum number of electrons that can occupy the third shell is
- A. 8
- B. 18
- C. 32
- D. 2
Explanation
Shell capacity is 2n squared, so for n equal to 3 the maximum is 2 multiplied by 9, that is 18, made up of 2 in 3s, 6 in 3p and 10 in 3d. The figure 8 is the octet that fills only the s and p subshells, which is why it is the tempting answer. The fourth shell holds 32 by the same formula.
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