A chemistry student models the electron configuration of an atom to determine how electrons are distributed across available states in the third principal energy level ($n = 3$). The model must account for the distinct sublevels present in this shell, the total number of constituent orbitals, and the maximum electron capacity. Based on the rules governing energy levels and sublevels, which evaluation of the third principal energy level is correct?

A) It consists of two sublevels ($s$ and $p$) containing a total of 4 orbitals that can accommodate up to 8 electrons.

B) It consists of three sublevels ($s$, $p$, and $d$) containing a total of 9 orbitals that can accommodate up to 18 electrons.

C) It consists of three sublevels ($s$, $p$, and $d$) containing a total of 6 orbitals that can accommodate up to 12 electrons.

D) It consists of four sublevels ($s$, $p$, $d$, and $f$) containing a total of 16 orbitals that can accommodate up to 32 electrons.

Energy levels and sublevels Transitional Reasoning Download PDF

Chemistry · Atomic Structure · Chemistry · Electrons in Atoms

1 Chemistry practice questions on Energy levels and sublevels. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.

Atomic Structure · Chemistry

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