To determine the maximum number of electrons that the 5th shell can hold in an atom, we need to apply the formula for the maximum number of electrons in a shell.
The formula for the maximum number of electrons in a shell is given by 2n^2, where n represents the principal quantum number.
For the 5th shell (n = 5), the maximum number of electrons it can hold is:
2 * (5^2) = 2 * 25 = 50
Therefore, the 5th shell can hold a maximum of 50 electrons in an atom.