What is the total number of orbitals possible for n = 3
why is the answer 9 can you please explain
s,p, d
s one
p three
d five
they add to nine.
To find the total number of orbitals possible for n = 3, we need to understand the concept of orbitals in an atom. In an atom, electrons occupy different energy levels, commonly referred to as "shells" or "principal quantum numbers" (n).
Each shell contains one or more subshells, which can be further divided into orbitals. The total number of orbitals in a shell is given by the formula:
Total number of orbitals = 2n²
For n = 3, we substitute the value into the formula:
Total number of orbitals = 2 * (3)²
= 2 * 9
= 18
Therefore, for n = 3, there are a total of 18 possible orbitals.