Final answer:
Electrons in atoms are arranged in energy levels or shells around the nucleus. The number of electrons in each shell is limited, with the first shell holding a maximum of 2 electrons and the second and third shells each holding a maximum of 8 electrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Electrons in atoms are arranged in energy levels or shells around the nucleus. The energy levels are labeled with an n value, where n = 1, 2, 3, and so on. The closer an energy shell is to the nucleus, the lower the energy of the electrons that occupy that shell. The first shell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, while the second and third shells can hold a maximum of 8 electrons each.