if a shell can hold a maximum of 32 electrons, what is the value of n?\n2\n3\n4\n5

Answer:

C. 4

Explanation:

Step1: Recall electron - shell formula

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

Step2: Set up the equation

We are given that the maximum number of electrons is 32. So, we set up the equation $2n^{2}=32$.

Step3: Solve the equation for $n$

First, divide both sides of the equation by 2: $\frac{2n^{2}}{2}=\frac{32}{2}$, which simplifies to $n^{2}=16$. Then, take the square - root of both sides. Since $n$ represents a shell number and must be a positive integer, $n = 4$ (because $\sqrt{16}=4$).