The Composition of Atoms Quick Check

Question

A model of an atom shows eight electrons in rings that represent different energy levels. How many electrons are in each energy level? (1 point)
• zero in the first energy level, eight in the second energy level
• four in the first energy level, four in the second energy level
• two in the first energy level, six in the second energy level
• eight in the first energy level, zero in the second energy level

Answer 1

To correctly distribute the eight electrons across the energy levels in an atom, we should apply the general rules for filling these levels. The first energy level can hold up to 2 electrons, and the second energy level can hold up to 8 electrons.

Given that there are eight electrons in total:

• The first energy level will hold 2 electrons.
• The remaining 6 electrons will go into the second energy level.

Thus, the correct distribution of electrons in this scenario is two in the first energy level and six in the second energy level.