Question

match the principal shell number to the maximum number of electrons that can be in that principal shell.
n = 1
choose
n = 2
choose
8
2
18
32
50
n = 3
choose
n = 4
choose
n = 5
choose

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electron - shell formula

The formula for the maximum number of electrons in a principal shell is $2n^{2}$, where $n$ is the principal shell number.

Step2: Calculate for $n = 1$

Substitute $n = 1$ into $2n^{2}$. We get $2\times1^{2}=2$.

Step3: Calculate for $n = 2$

Substitute $n = 2$ into $2n^{2}$. We get $2\times2^{2}=2\times4 = 8$.

Step4: Calculate for $n = 3$

Substitute $n = 3$ into $2n^{2}$. We get $2\times3^{2}=2\times9 = 18$.

Step5: Calculate for $n = 4$

Substitute $n = 4$ into $2n^{2}$. We get $2\times4^{2}=2\times16 = 32$.

Step6: Calculate for $n = 5$

Substitute $n = 5$ into $2n^{2}$. We get $2\times5^{2}=2\times25 = 50$.

Answer:

$n = 1$: 2
$n = 2$: 8
$n = 3$: 18
$n = 4$: 32
$n = 5$: 50