How many electrons can a p subshell hold at most?

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Multiple Choice

How many electrons can a p subshell hold at most?

Explanation:
In a p subshell there are three orbitals (px, py, pz), corresponding to ml values of -1, 0, and +1. Each orbital can hold two electrons with opposite spins, so the total capacity is 3 × 2 = 6. Therefore, a p subshell can hold at most six electrons. (For contrast, s holds 2, d holds 10, f holds 14, following 2(2l+1).)

In a p subshell there are three orbitals (px, py, pz), corresponding to ml values of -1, 0, and +1. Each orbital can hold two electrons with opposite spins, so the total capacity is 3 × 2 = 6. Therefore, a p subshell can hold at most six electrons. (For contrast, s holds 2, d holds 10, f holds 14, following 2(2l+1).)

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