Synthesize your understanding of electron shells to explain why the fourth shell can hold more electrons than the first three shells combined.

• A. The fourth shell can hold 20 electrons, which is more than the sum of the first (2), second (8), and third (18) shells.
• B. The fourth shell can hold 28 electrons, which is more than the sum of the first (2), second (8), and third (18) shells.
• C. The fourth shell can hold 24 electrons, which is more than the sum of the first (2), second (8), and third (18) shells.
• D. The fourth shell can hold 32 electrons, which is more than the sum of the first (2), second (8), and third (18) shells.

Answer: (D)