Question Detail
Question
What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a subshell with angular momentum quantum number l = 2 (d subshell)?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
The maximum number of electrons in a subshell is given by 4l + 2. For l = 2 (d subshell), the maximum electron capacity is 4(2) + 2 = 10 electrons. This corresponds to 5 orbitals (ml = -2, -1, 0, +1, +2), each holding 2 electrons with opposite spins.
Hint
Use the formula 4l + 2 to calculate the electron capacity of a subshell.