The maximum number of electrons in the second shell (L) of an atom is:

## The reasoning The maximum number of electrons in any shell follows the formula **2n²**, where n is the shell number. For the second shell (L shell), n = 2: Maximum electrons = 2n² = 2(2)² = 2(4) = **8 electrons** Think of it this way: the L shell has two subshells (2s and 2p). The 2s holds 2 electrons max, and the 2p holds 6 electrons max. Together: 2 + 6 = **8 electrons**. This is why elements like neon (Ne) with 10 total electrons has a completely filled L shell with exactly 8 electrons (2 in the K shell, 8 in the L shell). ## Why the wrong options tempt you **A) 2** — That's the maximum for the *first* shell (K shell) only, where n = 1. **B) 6** — That's just the p-subshell capacity! You forgot to add the s-subshell's 2 electrons. **D) 18** — That's the *third* shell (M shell) where n = 3: 2(3)² = 18. You jumped ahead one shell. ## Quick takeaway **Remember "2n²" — for the second shell, that's 2(2²) = 8 electrons maximum, always.**