179k views
2 votes
The total number of f orbitals in an f subshell is

a. 2

b. 5

c. 7

d 10

User Rashana
by
7.9k points

2 Answers

6 votes

Final answer:

The correct answer to the question 'The total number of f orbitals in an f subshell is' is 7, as an f subshell includes 7 distinct orbitals where electrons can be found.

Step-by-step explanation:

The total number of f orbitals in an f subshell is 7. This is because each type of subshell (s, p, d, and f) contains a set number of orbitals. An s subshell has 1 orbital, a p subshell has 3 orbitals, a d subshell has 5 orbitals, and an f subshell contains 7 orbitals. These orbitals within the f subshell can be described by different magnetic quantum numbers (ml), which range from -3 to +3. Consequently, an f subshell can hold a maximum of 14 electrons, with two electrons per orbital differing by their spin quantum number. To recall, orbitals are regions in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. The arrangement, based on these orbitals, maintains the lowest energy state for the atom.

User Chankey Pathak
by
8.4k points
4 votes

Answer:

C. 7

Step-by-step explanation:

The number of f orbitals in an f subshell is determined by the azimuthal quantum number (l), which is equal to 3 for an f subshell.

The total number of orbitals in a subshell is given by the formula 2l+1. For an f subshell:

2(3)+1

2×3+1=7

Therefore, the correct answer is c.

User Ivan Tsaryk
by
8.1k points

Related questions