To understand why the correct answer is option 'C' (10 electrons), let's break down the given information and explore the electron capacity of the sub-shell.



The notation n = 6, l = 2 refers to the quantum numbers associated with an electron in an atom. Here, "n" represents the principal quantum number, and "l" represents the azimuthal quantum number. The principal quantum number determines the energy level or shell in which the electron resides, while the azimuthal quantum number determines the shape of the sub-shell.



The principal quantum number (n) determines the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a shell, while the azimuthal quantum number (l) determines the number of sub-shells within that shell.

The formula to calculate the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a sub-shell is given by 2(2l + 1). Let's apply this formula to the given sub-shell:

l = 2
2(2l + 1) = 2(2*2 + 1) = 2(4 + 1) = 2(5) = 10

Therefore, the sub-shell with n = 6, l = 2 can accommodate a maximum of 10 electrons.



a) 12 electrons: This option is incorrect because the formula for the maximum number of electrons in a sub-shell does not yield 12 for the given values of n and l.

b) 36 electrons: This option is incorrect because it is significantly higher than the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a sub-shell with n = 6, l = 2.

d) 72 electrons: This option is incorrect because it is even higher than option 'b' and does not align with the maximum electron capacity of the given sub-shell.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'C' (10 electrons) as it aligns with the maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in a sub-shell with n = 6, l = 2.

It is because the electron has neglicible mass when compared to the nucleons