Question

Maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in shell with $n=4$ are:

• A. 72
• B. 16
• C. 32
• D. 50

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a shell, we use the formula:

\(2n^2\)

where \(n\) is the principal quantum number or the shell number.

In this case, the shell number \(n = 4\).

Applying the formula:

\(2 \times 4^2 = 2 \times 16 = 32\)

Therefore, the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the shell with \(n = 4\) is 32.

Let's briefly examine why the other options are incorrect:

• \(72\): This would be for a much higher shell number using \(2n^2\).
• \(16\): This might be misconceived if \(n\) were 2 for misunderstanding shell capacity.
• \(50\): This number doesn't correspond to any specific shell based on the formula \(2n^2\).

Thus, the correct answer is \(32\), which matches the given formula's calculation.