Question

Question #33d8c

Answer 1

The answer is (c) `9`

Explanation:

Each electron shell corresponds to a different energy level, which is represented by the principal quantum number, `n`.

The `M` shell designates the third energy level, for which `n=3`.

The relationship between the principal quantum number and the number of orbitals is given by the equation

`"no. of orbitals" = n^2`

This equation will produce

`n = 1 implies "no. of orbitals" = 1^2 = 1`

`n = 2 implies "no. of orbitals" = 2^2 = 4`

`n=3 implies "no. of orbitals" = 3^2 = 9`

The `M` shell will thus contain a total of `9` orbitals

• one 3s-orbital
• three 3p-orbitals
• five 3d-orbitals