Which formula is used to calculate the maximum number of electrons in the outermost shell of a tungsten atom?

The correct formula to calculate the maximum number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom is based on the quantum number associated with that shell. The formula used is (2n^2), where (n) represents the principal quantum number of the shell.

In the context of tungsten, which is element number 74, the principal quantum number for its outermost shell can be determined by looking at its electron configuration. Tungsten has a complex configuration, but its outermost electrons reside in the 6th shell (n=6). Plugging this value into the formula (2n^2), we calculate:

[

2(6)^2 = 2 \times 36 = 72

]

This indicates that there can be a maximum of 72 electrons in the outermost shell according to that calculation.

It's important to note that other options do not correctly apply to calculating the maximum number of electrons in the outer shell. For example, (n^2) would give a result that doesn’t account for the factors that double the capacity of the shell, and (2n) is simply not relevant for determining maximum electron capacity. Meanwhile, (n^3) relates to higher-level