Electronic Structure question? :)

MattA147

Hey guys essentially in my GCSE Chem class we were told that the maximum number of electrons that can be held in the first four shells are as follows - 2,8,8,2. Now in my AS Level textbook it is saying that it goes 2,8,18,32. Can someone please explain to me why this is the case, and give me some clarification?

Infinitum

Hi Matt!

The maximum possible electrons in the shells are 2,8,18,32..... given by 2^n, where n is the principal quantum number. But there also is another condition that the valence shell must have 8 electrons or less, because that is how we define valency to be less than 8.

You might want to take a look at this page : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...rons_per_shell

MattA147

Thanks for your reply, that article is making a lot more sense than any other article I found. It is appreciated. :)

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MattA147	Electronic Structure question? :) Tweet Hey guys essentially in my GCSE Chem class we were told that the maximum number of electrons that can be held in the first four shells are as follows - 2,8,8,2. Now in my AS Level textbook it is saying that it goes 2,8,18,32. Can someone please explain to me why this is the case, and give me some clarification?

Infinitum	Hi Matt! The maximum possible electrons in the shells are 2,8,18,32..... given by 2^n, where n is the principal quantum number. But there also is another condition that the valence shell must have 8 electrons or less, because that is how we define valency to be less than 8. You might want to take a look at this page : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...rons_per_shell