Question

A model of an atom eight electrons in rings that represent different energy levels how many electrons are in each energy level

Answer 1

In an atom, electrons are arranged in energy levels (or shells) around the nucleus. The maximum number of electrons that can occupy each energy level is determined by the formula \(2n^2\), where \(n\) is the principal quantum number corresponding to that energy level.

For the first few energy levels, the distribution of electrons is as follows:

1. **First energy level (n=1)**: Can hold up to 2 electrons.
2. **Second energy level (n=2)**: Can hold up to 8 electrons.
3. **Third energy level (n=3)**: Can hold up to 18 electrons (but typically fills up to 8 before moving to the next level due to the Aufbau principle in lighter elements).
4. **Fourth energy level (n=4)**: Can hold up to 32 electrons.

For an atom with **eight electrons**, the distribution would be:

- **First energy level (n=1)**: 2 electrons
- **Second energy level (n=2)**: 6 electrons

So the arrangement would be:
- Energy Level 1: 2 electrons
- Energy Level 2: 6 electrons

Total: 2 + 6 = 8 electrons

Thus, you can have up to 2 electrons in the first energy level and 6 electrons in the second energy level for an atom with a total of 8 electrons.