How many electrons does the fourth shell (n=4) of an atom contain?

[VDR]

I am a bit confused on how to figure this one out? is it right to use 2n^2 where n=4? so answer should be 32?

Thanks

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[bharat008]

I am a bit confused on how to figure this one out? is it right to use 2n^2 where n=4? so answer should be 32?

Thanks

Well, the answer is 32.
If they give shell#; then you always have n^2 orbitals. Since it's 4th shell we have total of (4)^2 = 16 orbitals
Now, each orbital has 2 electrons so 16*2 = 32 electrons..

HOpe that helps..

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

I am a bit confused on how to figure this one out? is it right to use 2n^2 where n=4? so answer should be 32?

Thanks

yep, it's 32.
use 2n^2 to figure the number of electrons for each shell.

To explain why 2n^2 works, we gotta understand the quantum numbers.

s subshell (l=0) has 2 electrons (starts at n=1)
p subshell (l=1) has 6 electrons (starts at n=2)
d subshell (l=2) has 10 electrons (starts at n=3)
f subshell (l=3) has 14 electrons (starts at n=4)

Since it's n=4, then possible values for l are 0,1,2,3

2+6+10+14 = 32

 

[Troyvdg]

yes the answer is 32

to break it down, so you can understand why, look at the periodic table, in the fourth period you're gonna have s,p,d, and f orbitals.
the max amount of electrons that can occupy each subshell is:
s=2 e
p=6 e
d=10 e
f=14 e

EDIT: wow. 3 people just posted the same thing at the same time lol

 

[LetsGo2DSchool]

I like da Bear's explanation -- he presented it from a bigger picture perspective that makes more sense than just memorizing 2n^2.

 

[bharat008]

EDIT: wow. 3 people just posted the same thing at the same time lol

I am first.. I win.. lol

 

[VDR]

everyone gave a different perspective. Since we do not all learn the same its nice to see different explanations.

Thanks