Question

how many electrons can an orbital hold?
a 2 electrons
b 8 electrons
c 18 electrons
d it depends on the type of orbital.

Explanation:

The Pauli Exclusion Principle and electron configuration rules state that each orbital (regardless of type - s, p, d, f) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, with opposite spins. Option b (8 electrons) is the maximum for a shell (e.g., valence shell octet), option c (18) is for a subshell in some cases, and option d is incorrect as the maximum per orbital is fixed at 2.

Answer:

a. 2 electrons