How many sublevels, orbitals and electrons can be present in the L-shell of an atom?

In an atom, electrons are located in different energy levels outside the nucleus. In the case of the L - shell or energy level, n = 2. These shells or energy levels are divided into sub-energy levels. The sub-energy level is denoted by " l ". The value of " l " ranges from zero (0) to (n- 1).

The sub-energy levels are again divided into different orbitals. In different orbitals, the electrons are arranged in three dimensions. This is called the magnetic quantum number (m). The value of m ranges from zero (0) to ± l.

For the L - shell, if n = 2, then l = 0,1. Then there will be two sub-energy levels - 2s and 2p.

Then, for l = 0, m = 0. That is, there will be a 2s orbital.

For l = 1, m = 0, ±1. That is, there will be three 2p orbitals.

That is, there are four orbitals possible in the L-shell, one 2s and three 2p.

Again, we know from the spin quantum number (s), that an orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons.

So the L-shell can hold

= 4 x 2 = 8 electrons.

Therefore, the L-shell can hold two sublevels, four orbitals and eight electrons.

(If l = 0, it will be the s- sublevel,

if l = 1, it will be the p- sublevel,

if l = 2, it will be the d- sublevel,

if l = 3, it will be the f- sublevel.)