What is the maximum number of electrons that an atomic orbital can contain?

A. 1

B. 8

C. 2

D. 32

Answer: Option (B) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

An atomic orbital is defined as the space around the nucleus of an atom where electrons are located.

The first orbital around the nucleus is known as K-shell. The second orbital is known as L-shell. The third orbital is known as M-shell and so on.

The first orbital of every atom can hold up to 2 electrons only.

Whereas all other orbitals can hold up to a maximum of 8 electrons.

Thus, we can conclude that the maximum number of electrons that an atomic orbital can contain is 8.

the maximum number of electrons an atomic orbital can contain is B, 8