Question

What are the capacity numbers of elements?

Answer 1

The capacity numbers of elements refer to the number of electrons that can occupy the electron shells or energy levels of an atom. The capacity of each energy level can be determined using the 2n^2 formula, where 'n' represents the principal quantum number or the energy level.

Here are the capacity numbers for the first four energy levels:

1. Energy Level 1 (n = 1): It can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
2. Energy Level 2 (n = 2): It can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.
3. Energy Level 3 (n = 3): It can hold a maximum of 18 electrons.
4. Energy Level 4 (n = 4): It can hold a maximum of 32 electrons.

It's important to note that the actual electron configuration of an atom may deviate from these maximum capacity numbers due to various factors, including electron shielding and orbital hybridization. Additionally, the capacity numbers mentioned above represent the maximum number of electrons for neutral atoms. In ions, the number of electrons may differ due to the loss or gain of electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge.