The subshell that arises after f is called the g subshell.How many electrons may occupy the g subshell?

Options

A. 9
B. 7
C. 5
D. 18

Answer

To determine how many electrons may occupy the g subshell, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the azimuthal quantum number (l)
The azimuthal quantum number (l) defines the shape of the orbital and is associated with the subshells. Each type of subshell has a specific value of l:
- s subshell: l = 0
- p subshell: l = 1
- d subshell: l = 2
- f subshell: l = 3
- g subshell: l = 4

### Step 2: Calculate the number of orbitals in the g subshell
The number of orbitals in a subshell can be calculated using the formula:
\[ \text{Number of orbitals} = 2l + 1 \]
For the g subshell, where l = 4:
\[ \text{Number of orbitals} = 2(4) + 1 = 8 + 1 = 9 \]

### Step 3: Determine the number of electrons that can occupy the g subshell
Each orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. Therefore, to find the total number of electrons that can occupy the g subshell, we multiply the number of orbitals by 2:
\[ \text{Total electrons} = \text{Number of orbitals} \times 2 = 9 \times 2 = 18 \]

### Conclusion
The g subshell can accommodate a total of 18 electrons.

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