What is the maximum number of electrons that can be contained in any given orbit?

The maximum number of electrons that can occupy a given orbit is determined by the formula (2n^2), where (n) is the principal quantum number representing the orbit level. The first orbit (n=1) can hold 2 electrons, the second orbit (n=2) holds 8 electrons, the third orbit (n=3) can hold 18 electrons, and the fourth orbit (n=4) can contain up to 32 electrons. This pattern shows that as (n) increases, so does the capacity for electrons in each respective orbit level.

In this context, the answer of 32 reflects the maximum capacity for the fourth orbit, which corresponds to (n=4). Recognizing that higher energy levels allow for additional electrons is vital when considering electron configuration and how they fill different energy levels in an atom.