The maximum number of electrons in the second shell is
- 4.
- 8.
- 2.
Explanation from PART66Online
The maximum number of electrons a shell can hold is given by 2n^2, where n is the shell number. For the second (L) shell n = 2, so 2 x 2^2 = 8. The first (K) shell holds 2 x 1^2 = 2. Note that the outermost shell of an atom still stops at eight electrons even where the formula allows more.
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BurtoJ asked · 12 Aug 2026
Formula = 2n^2 (where n = Shell #)
Community Comments (1)
P
PART66Online
12 Aug 2026
Good addition, thanks. 2n^2 gives 2 for the first shell and 8 for the second. I have added the formula to the question explanation for clarity.
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