How many sublevels are there in the n = 2 main energy level
The correct answer and explanation is:
The number of sublevels in the n = 2 main energy level is 2.
Explanation: The number of sublevels in an energy level corresponds to the principal quantum number (n) and is determined by the value of n. The sublevels are labeled as “s”, “p”, “d”, and “f”, with the number of sublevels in each energy level equal to the value of n.
For example, when n = 1, there is only one sublevel, “s”. For n = 2, there are two sublevels: “s” and “p”. This is because, for any energy level with principal quantum number n, the number of sublevels is equal to n. The first sublevel is always an “s” orbital, and additional sublevels appear as n increases.
For n = 2, the sublevels are:
- 2s: The s sublevel is spherical and contains one orbital.
- 2p: The p sublevel consists of three orbitals, which are oriented along the x, y, and z axes.
Each sublevel can hold a specific number of electrons. The s sublevel can hold up to 2 electrons, while the p sublevel can hold up to 6 electrons. So, the n = 2 energy level has a total of 8 electrons (2 in the 2s sublevel and 6 in the 2p sublevel).
This principle of how sublevels are formed and the relationship between the principal quantum number and the number of sublevels is crucial for understanding the electronic structure of atoms. It helps in predicting the arrangement of electrons in different energy levels and the chemical properties of elements.