# How many atomic orbitals are there in an h subshell?

Jun 17, 2014

11

#### Explanation:

There are 11 atomic orbitals in the $h$ subshell, and they can hold a total of 22 electrons.

The hydrogenic (one-electron) orbitals are each associated with a principal quantum number ($n$) and an orbital angular momentum quantum number ($l$). The different values of $l$ are denoted by letters instead of numbers.

For example, orbitals having $l = 0$ are called $s$ orbitals, those with $l = 1$ are called $p$ orbitals, then $d , f , g , h ,$ and so on.
(excluding j)
Following the lettering system, we see that $h$ orbitals are associated with $l = 5$.

Finally, the number of orbitals in each sub-shell is equal to $2 l + 1$, so there is only 1 $s$ orbital, but there are 3 $p$ orbitals, and 5 $d$ orbitals in each sub-shell. Following this trend, we see that the number of $h$ orbitals is equal to $2 \times 5 + 1 = 11$.

(Each orbital can hold up to 2 electrons if they have opposite spin angular momentum quantum numbers, so the $h$ shell can hold a maximum of 22 electrons.)