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How to Find Out the Number of Electrons Each Energy Level Can Hold

Electrons are negatively charged particles located outside the nucleus of an atom. Their arrangement is characterized by different energy levels and orbitals within these levels. The principle quantum number, designated by the letter n, identifies the different energy levels within an atom and ranges in value from 1 to 4. Each energy level contains a certain number of orbitals which, in turn, hold a specific number of electrons as determined by their respective shape and size. The maximum number of electrons within each energy level can be identified by the quantum number and applying its value to a general formula.

Balanced Ionic Equation

Instructions

- 1
  Identify the energy level. The energy levels, also identified as the principal quantum number n, can have values of 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- 2
  Determine the number of orbitals in the respective energy level by squaring the corresponding quantum number (n^2). For example, the second energy level would have a quantum number equal to 2.
  
  Taking the square of this value identifies 4 electron orbitals in the second energy level.
- 3
  Multiply the previously calculated number of orbitals by 2 to identify the maximum number of electrons within the energy level. Each orbital is able to contain a maximum of two electrons. Therefore, multiplying the number of orbitals by 2 identifies the maximum number of electrons for the respective energy level. Using the example, the second energy level has 4 possible orbitals. Doubling this value indicates that the second energy level, or n=2, can contain a maximum of 8 electrons. The complete formula for identifying the number of possible electrons in each energy level is therefore described as 2n^2, where n is the principle quantum number, or energy level.

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