How many electrons can the first energy level (n = 1) of an atom hold?

• A. 8
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 6

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the number of electrons an energy level can hold depends on the number of orbitals in that level and the fact that each orbital can hold 2 electrons with opposite spins.
2. For the first energy level (n = 1), determine the types of orbitals present. The first energy level contains only the 1s orbital.
3. Since the 1s orbital is a single orbital, and each orbital can hold 2 electrons, calculate the total electrons as: \$2 \times 1 = 2$.
4. Therefore, the first energy level can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
5. This is consistent with the formula for the maximum number of electrons in an energy level: \$2n^2\(. For \)n=1\(, \)2(1)^2 = 2$ electrons.