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How many electrons can fill a p subshell?
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periodic table
Modern version of the periodic table of the elements. To learn an element's name, atomic number, electron configuration, atomic weight, and more, select one from the table.
A p subshell can hold a maximum of 6 electrons.1
This capacity is determined by the quantum numbers associated with the subshell. For a p subshell, the orbital quantum number is . According to the rules of atomic physics, there are distinct orbitals for a given subshell, which in this case results in three separate orbitals (). Because the Pauli exclusion principle dictates that each individual orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons with opposing spins, the three p orbitals together can hold a total of 6 electrons.1