orbitals in the n = 3 energy level Express your answer as a integer: Submit Request Answer
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: 9
Explanation:
The number of orbitals in a given energy level depends on the principal quantum number, n.
For n = 3, the possible subshells are:
- s subshell (l = 0)
- p subshell (l = 1)
- d subshell (l = 2)
Each subshell contains a specific number of orbitals:
- s subshell has 1 orbital
- p subshell has 3 orbitals
- d subshell has 5 orbitals
Total number of orbitals in the n = 3 energy level:1 (s)+3 (p)+5 (d)=9 orbitals1 \ (s) + 3 \ (p) + 5 \ (d) = 9 \ \text{orbitals}1 (s)+3 (p)+5 (d)=9 orbitals
You can also use the formula for total orbitals in any energy level:Total orbitals=n2\text{Total orbitals} = n^2Total orbitals=n2
For n = 3:32=9 orbitals3^2 = 9 \ \text{orbitals}32=9 orbitals
Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, but since the question only asked for the number of orbitals, the total is simply 9.
Breakdown by Subshell:
- 3s: 1 orbital
- 3p: 3 orbitals
- 3d: 5 orbitals
Together, they sum up to 9 orbitals.
Summary:
The n = 3 energy level contains 9 orbitals in total, which provide space for up to 18 electrons, though the specific question only asks for orbitals, not electrons. This understanding is important in electron configuration, quantum mechanics, and when determining how atoms bond chemically.
