Final answer:
The 3s orbital can hold two electrons.
The answer is option ⇒a. 3s
Step-by-step explanation:
In the electron configuration of an atom, the first number represents the energy level (or shell) of the orbital, and the letter represents the type of orbital. The "s" orbital is a spherical-shaped orbital.
The 3s orbital is found in the third energy level and can hold a maximum of two electrons. This is based on the principle called the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that each electron in an atom must have a unique set of quantum numbers. Since the 3s orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons, it means that it can hold one pair of electrons.
This understanding of electron configurations is important in understanding the arrangement of electrons in atoms and how they contribute to the chemical properties of elements.
The answer is option ⇒a. 3s