What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p orbital?

• A. 1
• B. 6
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that an orbital is a region in space where there is a high probability of finding an electron. Each orbital can hold a specific maximum number of electrons based on quantum mechanical principles.
2. Understand that the p subshell consists of three p orbitals (px, py, pz), but the question asks about a single p orbital, not the entire p subshell.
3. Apply the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that no two electrons in the same orbital can have the same set of quantum numbers. This means each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins.
4. Therefore, the maximum number of electrons that can occupy a single p orbital is 2.
5. Note that while the entire p subshell can hold up to 6 electrons (2 electrons per each of the 3 p orbitals), the question specifically focuses on just one p orbital.