Chemistry · Atomic Structure
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The number of electrons in the M shell is:
- A
2
- B
10
- C
18
- D
6
The M shell is the third shell in the electron configuration of an atom, corresponding to n=3. The formula to determine the maximum number of electrons in any shell is 2n². For the M shell, substituting n with 3 gives us 2(3)² = 2 x 9 = 18 electrons. Therefore, the correct answer is 18. The other options are incorrect because they do not reflect the maximum capacity of the M shell.
This option is incorrect because the M shell can hold more than two electrons; it is not the first shell, which is limited to 2 electrons.
This option is incorrect because while the M shell can hold 10 electrons, it actually has the capacity to hold more.
This is the correct option because the M shell, which corresponds to n=3, can hold a maximum of 2(3)² = 18 electrons.
This option is incorrect; the M shell can hold more than 6 electrons, as it exceeds the capacity of the previous shells.
Tagged under Chemistry · Atomic Structure