Question

Which principal shell is the lowest one that contains a p subshell?

A. 4

B. 1

C. 3

D. 2

E. not enough information

Answer 1

D. 2. The lowest principal shell containing a p subshell is principal shell 2 (n=2), thus the correct answer is

Step-by-step explanation:

The lowest principal shell that contains a p subshell is principal shell 2, known as the second energy level or n=2. The organization of electrons in an atom follows a specific order where the first principal shell (n=1) contains only the s subshell.

As we move to higher energy levels: for n=2, we have 2s and the 2p subshells; for n=3, there are 3s, 3p, and 3d subshells; and this pattern continues with increasing n. Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'Which principal shell is the lowest one that contains a p subshell?' is D. 2.