Question

In theory, n can be infinite, but in reality, what is the highest value for n with our atoms?

a) n = 7
b) n = 10
c) n = 100
d) n = 4

Answer 1

According to the quantum model of the atom, there is no highest value for n in reality. The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a shell with n = 2 is 8.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to the quantum model of the atom, electrons can reside in seven different quantum levels, denoted by the principal quantum number n. Each quantum level can accommodate a certain maximum number of electrons. The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a shell with n = 2 is 8, and with n = 5 is not specified here. However, the number of electron shells an atom can have is not limited by the number of electrons in atoms, meaning in reality there is no highest value for n.