Answer:
2, 8, 18
Explanation:
The number of orbitals for any level of interest n is calculated by a formula [tex]o = n^2[/tex]. Since each orbital contains a maximum of 2 electrons, we can calculate the total number of electrons in an nth orbital by [tex]e = 2n^2[/tex].
- As a result, the first energy level for n = 1 can hold a maximum of [tex]2n_1^2 = 2\cdot 1^2 = 2[/tex] electrons,
- The second energy level can hold a maximum of [tex]2n_2^2 = 2\cdot 2^2 = 8[/tex] electrons,
- The third energy level can hold a maximum of [tex]2n_3^2 = 2\cdot 3^2 = 18[/tex] electrons.
