Lithium has 3 electrons. why do 2 electrons go in the first shell, and one in the second?

A) The electrons go randomly into shells.

B) The first shell only holds 2 electrons so the 3rd electron had to go in the second shell.

C) All the electrons could go into the second shell.

D) The shells appear and disappear so the electrons go anywhere.

Question

Gemma Petty

Biology

2 February, 15:39

Lithium has 3 electrons. why do 2 electrons go in the first shell, and one in the second?

A) The electrons go randomly into shells.

B) The first shell only holds 2 electrons so the 3rd electron had to go in the second shell.

C) All the electrons could go into the second shell.

D) The shells appear and disappear so the electrons go anywhere.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Beckham Estrada · Answer 1

B) The first shell only holds 2 electrons so the 3rd electron had to go in the second shell.

Explanation:

Electrons fill up from smallest to largest, the first electron shell only holds 2 electrons, so the remaining electron had to go to the second shell.