What is the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the L shell?

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a given electron shell is determined by the formula (2n^2), where (n) represents the principal quantum number of that shell. The L shell corresponds to (n = 2).

By using the formula:

[

2n^2 = 2(2^2) = 2 \times 4 = 8

]

Thus, the maximum number of electrons that can occupy the L shell is 8. This matches the structure of electron shells, where the first shell can hold up to 2 electrons, the second shell (L shell) can hold up to 8 electrons, and the third shell can hold up to 18 electrons, following the increasing capacity with principal quantum number.

Understanding this electronic configuration is essential for grasping concepts related to chemical bonding, ionization, and the overall behavior of atoms in various states, making it a key fundamental concept in radiology physics and other sciences.