The distribution of electrons into different orbits of an atom

The distribution of electrons into different orbits of an atom, as suggested by Bohr, is

  1. 2 electrons in the K-orbit, 8 electrons in the L-orbit, 32 electrons in the M-orbit
  2. 2 electrons in the K-orbit, 8 electrons in the L-orbit, 16 electrons in the M-orbit
  3. 2 electron in the K-orbit, 6 electrons in the L-orbit, 18 electrons in the M-orbit
  4. 2 electrons in the K-orbit, 8 electrons in the L-orbit, 18 electrons in the M-orbit

Answer

Maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a shell is given by 2n2 where n = shell number

For 1st energy level (K), n = 1; Maximum number of electrons in 1st energy level = 2n2 = 2 x (1)2 = 2

For 2nd energy level (L), n = 2; Maximum number of electrons in the 2nd energy level = 2n2 = 2 x (2)2 = 8

For 3rd energy level (M), n = 3; Maximum number of electrons in the 3rd energy level = 2n2 = 2x(3)2 = 18

For 4th energy level (N), n = 4; Maximum number of electrons in the 4th energy level = 2n2 = 2x(4)2 = 32

The correct option is D.