Which one of the following orbitals can hold two electrons?

• A. 2p_x
• B. 3d_{xy}
• C. 1s
• D. 4f_{z^3}

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
2. Understand that an orbital is a region in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron, regardless of its type (s, p, d, or f).
3. Recognize that all orbitals, whether 1s, 2p_x, 3d_{xy}, or 4f_{z^3}, can hold up to two electrons each.
4. Identify that the question asks which orbital can hold two electrons, so any valid orbital type (s, p, d, or f) can hold two electrons, not just 1s.
5. Therefore, the key concept is that each individual orbital, regardless of its energy level or shape, can accommodate two electrons with opposite spins.