International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 855

What is the maximum number of electrons that can be held in the second shell of an atom?

2

8

The maximum number of electrons that can be held in the second shell of an atom is 8. This is determined by the formula 2n², where n is the principal quantum number representing the shell level. For the second shell (n=2), you calculate it as follows:

2n² = 2(2)² = 2(4) = 8.

Thus, the second shell can accommodate up to 8 electrons. This capacity is essential in explaining the electron configuration of elements, as the filling of electrons in shells contributes to the chemical properties of an atom. The first shell (n=1) can only hold a maximum of 2 electrons, while subsequent shells can hold even more, but the pertinent limit on the second shell remains 8.

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