According to the Bohr model, how many electrons are present in the third energy level (n = 3) of a neutral sodium atom?

• A. 2
• B. 11
• C. 1
• D. 8

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Bohr model describes electrons in discrete energy levels or shells around the nucleus, labeled by the principal quantum number \(n\).
2. Understand that each energy level \(n\) can hold a maximum number of electrons given by the formula \$2n^2$.
3. Calculate the maximum number of electrons that the third energy level (\(n=3\)) can hold using \$2 \times 3^2 = 2 \times 9 = 18$ electrons.
4. Identify the electron configuration of a neutral sodium atom (atomic number 11), which is \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^1$.
5. From the electron configuration, determine how many electrons are actually present in the third energy level (\(n=3\)), which is the single electron in the \$3s$ orbital.