Structure Of The Atom

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How are Electrons Distributed in Different Orbits (Shells)

The distribution of electrons in an orbit is obtained by 2n2, where ‘n’ is a number of orbits.

Therefore,

A number of electrons in K-shell i.e. in 1st orbit.
Here n = 1
Therefore,
2n2
= 2 x 12
= 2

Thus, the maximum number of electrons in K-shell i.e. 1st shell = 2

Number of electrons in L-shell, i.e. in 2ndorbit
Here n = 2, therefore,
2n2 = 2 x 22 = 8
Thus, the maximum number of electrons in L-shell = 8


Number of electrons in M-shell, i.e. in 3rd orbit
Here n = 3, therefore,
2n2
= 2 x 32 = 18
Thus, the maximum number of electrons in M-shell = 18


Number of electrons in N-shell, i.e. in 4th shell
Here n = 4, therefore,
2n2 = 2 x 42
= 32

Thus, the maximum number of electrons in N-shell = 32

In a similar way, a maximum number of electrons in any shell can be calculated.