While the maximum number of electrons required to fill the o

While the maximum number of electrons required to fill the outermost shell of an atom varies depending on the size of the atom, almost all of the smaller atoms (atomic numbers 2-20) are considered stable (nonreactive) when they contain ________ electron(s) in the outermost shell.

Solution

Answer:

8

Explanation:

The electrons are distributed in different orbits (shells.

The distribution of electrons into different orbits of an atom was suggested by Bohr and Bury.

The following rules are followed for writing the number of electrons in different energy levels or shells:

    (i) The maximum number of electrons present in a shell is given by the formula 2n2, where ‘n’ is the orbit number or energy level index, 1,2,3,…. Hence the maximum number of electrons in different shells are as follows:

first orbit or K-shell will be = 2 × 12 = 2,

second orbit or L-shell will be = 2 × 22= 8,

third orbit or M-shell will be = 2 ×32 = 18,

fourth orbit or N-shell will be = 2 × 42= 32, and so on.

   (ii) The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the outermost orbit is 8.