Question

if a shell can hold a maximum of 32 electrons, what is the value of n?
2
3
4
5

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for maximum electrons in a shell

The formula for the maximum number of electrons (\(N\)) that a shell with principal quantum number \(n\) can hold is \(N = 2n^2\).

Step2: Substitute \(N = 32\) into the formula and solve for \(n\)

We have the equation \(32=2n^2\). First, divide both sides by 2: \(\frac{32}{2}=n^2\), so \(16 = n^2\). Then, take the square root of both sides. Since \(n\) is a positive integer (principal quantum number), we get \(n=\sqrt{16} = 4\).

Answer:

4 (corresponding to the option "4")