Problem 5 - Chemistry A Guided Inquiry

Question

Based on the form of the periodic table, how many electrons is the \(3 d\) subshell capable of holding?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The 3d subshell is capable of holding 10 electrons.

Step 1: Understand the concept of Subshells in an atom

First, understand that each energy level, or shell, in an atom is divided into subshells, denoted s, p, d, and f. The 3d subshell refers to the third energy level's d subshell.

Step 2: Recognize the capacity of subshell

A subshell can hold a specific number of electrons depending on its subshell type. The type of the subshell is determined by its orbital shape (s, p, d, or f). The s subshell can hold 2 electrons, p can hold 6, d can hold 10, and f can hold 14 electrons.

Step 3: Identify the specific number of electrons for 3d subshell

Since the question is asking for the electron capacity of the 3d subshell, from the nature of d subshells, we know that a d subshell can hold 10 electrons.