Question

how many subshells are in the n = 4 shell?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall subshell rule

For a principal quantum number \( n \), the number of subshells is equal to \( n \). The subshells are represented by azimuthal quantum number \( l \), where \( l = 0, 1, 2, ..., n - 1 \).

Step2: Apply for \( n = 4 \)

When \( n = 4 \), the possible values of \( l \) are \( 0, 1, 2, 3 \). Counting these, we get \( 4 \) subshells (corresponding to \( s, p, d, f \) subshells).

Answer:

4