The 4th energy level, also known as the n=4 level, contains four energy sublevels. These sublevels are designated as s, p, d, and f.
Here’s a breakdown of each sublevel:
- s sublevel: This sublevel can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
- p sublevel: This sublevel can hold up to 6 electrons.
- d sublevel: This sublevel can hold a maximum of 10 electrons.
- f sublevel: This sublevel can accommodate up to 14 electrons.
In total, when you add the capacities of these sublevels, the 4th energy level can hold a maximum of 32 electrons (2 + 6 + 10 + 14 = 32). Understanding these sublevels is crucial for grasping the structure of atoms and how electrons are arranged around the nucleus.