A neutral atom of an element has `2K,8L, 9M` and `2N` electrons .
The total number of p electons are

Options

A. 6
B. 12
C. 18
D. 24

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to determine the total number of p electrons in a neutral atom with the given electron configuration of `2K, 8L, 9M, and 2N`.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Electron Configuration**:
- The atom has:
- 2 electrons in the K shell (n=1)
- 8 electrons in the L shell (n=2)
- 9 electrons in the M shell (n=3)
- 2 electrons in the N shell (n=4)

2. **Determine the Distribution of Electrons**:
- For the K shell (n=1):
- The maximum capacity is 2 (1s²), which is filled.
- For the L shell (n=2):
- The maximum capacity is 8 (2s² 2p⁶), which is also filled.
- For the M shell (n=3):
- The distribution is as follows:
- 3s² (2 electrons)
- 3p⁶ (6 electrons)
- 3d¹ (1 electron)
- Total in M shell = 2 (3s) + 6 (3p) + 1 (3d) = 9 electrons, which is correct.
- For the N shell (n=4):
- The distribution is:
- 4s² (2 electrons)
- Total in N shell = 2 electrons.

3. **Count the p Electrons**:
- From the L shell (n=2), we have 6 p electrons (2p⁶).
- From the M shell (n=3), we have 6 p electrons (3p⁶).
- Therefore, the total number of p electrons = 6 (from 2p) + 6 (from 3p) = 12 p electrons.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The total number of p electrons in the neutral atom is **12**.

### Final Answer:
The total number of p electrons is **12**.