Each shell or level has a specific number of electrons it can "hold."
Energy
Bottom
Neutron
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Each shell or level has a specific number of electrons it can "hold." This is determined by the amount of energy the shell can accommodate. The bottommost shell, also known as the first shell or the innermost shell, can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. The next shell, or the second shell, can hold a maximum of 8 electrons. The number of electrons that each shell can hold increases with the shell number. For example, the third shell can hold a maximum of 18 electrons, while the fourth shell can hold a maximum of 32 electrons. This pattern continues for subsequent shells.
The arrangement of electrons within an atom's shells is often depicted using electron configuration levels. These levels, also known as energy levels or electron shells, are represented by different letters such as K, L, M, and so on. Each energy level can have different sublevels (s, p, d, f), which can further accommodate a specific number of electrons.
The neutron, on the other hand, is a subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom. It does not directly affect the electron configuration or energy levels, as it is neutral and does not carry any charge. Neutrons do, however, have an important role in determining the stability and mass of an atom.