What is the maximum number of electrons that an s subshell can hold?

• A. 2
• B. 6
• C. 10
• D. 14

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that each subshell is defined by the azimuthal quantum number \( l \), where \( l = 0 \) corresponds to the s subshell.
2. Understand that the s subshell has only one orbital because the magnetic quantum number \( m_l \) can only be 0 when \( l = 0 \).
3. Remember that each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, one with spin up and one with spin down, according to the Pauli exclusion principle.
4. Calculate the maximum number of electrons in the s subshell by multiplying the number of orbitals by the number of electrons per orbital: \( 1 \times 2 = 2 \).
5. Therefore, the s subshell can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.