What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p subshell?

What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p subshell?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 6
• D. 8

Answer: (C)

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p subshell is determined by the quantum mechanical principles that govern electron configurations. A p subshell consists of three orbitals (designated as px, py, and pz), and each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons. Since there are three orbitals within a p subshell, and each can accommodate two electrons, the total capacity of a p subshell is calculated by multiplying the number of orbitals by the maximum number of electrons per orbital. This gives us: 3 orbitals × 2 electrons/orbital = 6 electrons. This capacity allows for the arrangements of electrons with opposite spins, maintaining the principles of quantum mechanics and the Pauli exclusion principle. Therefore, the maximum number of electrons that can be held in a p subshell is indeed six.

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a p subshell is determined by the quantum mechanical principles that govern electron configurations. A p subshell consists of three orbitals (designated as px, py, and pz), and each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.

Since there are three orbitals within a p subshell, and each can accommodate two electrons, the total capacity of a p subshell is calculated by multiplying the number of orbitals by the maximum number of electrons per orbital. This gives us:

3 orbitals × 2 electrons/orbital = 6 electrons.

This capacity allows for the arrangements of electrons with opposite spins, maintaining the principles of quantum mechanics and the Pauli exclusion principle. Therefore, the maximum number of electrons that can be held in a p subshell is indeed six.