JEE Main 2026 — Structure of Atom Question with Solution
JEE Main 2026 (23 January Shift 1)
Question
Given,
(A)
(B)
The maximum number of electron(s) in an atom that can have the quantum numbers as given in (A) and (B) respectively are :
(A)
(B)
The maximum number of electron(s) in an atom that can have the quantum numbers as given in (A) and (B) respectively are :
Choose an option
Show full solutionCorrect option: A
Correct answer
A8 and 1
Step-by-step explanation
For case (A) with n=5, :
The principal quantum number n=5 allows l from 0 to 4. Since , we need l≥1. For each l value (1, 2, 3, 4), the orbital exists, giving 4 orbitals. Each orbital holds 2 electrons (spin up and down), so maximum electrons = 8.
For case (B) with n=3, l=2, , :
These quantum numbers completely specify a single electron in a unique orbital with a specific spin, so maximum electrons = 1.
Therefore, the answer is 8 and 1.
The principal quantum number n=5 allows l from 0 to 4. Since , we need l≥1. For each l value (1, 2, 3, 4), the orbital exists, giving 4 orbitals. Each orbital holds 2 electrons (spin up and down), so maximum electrons = 8.
For case (B) with n=3, l=2, , :
These quantum numbers completely specify a single electron in a unique orbital with a specific spin, so maximum electrons = 1.
Therefore, the answer is 8 and 1.
Practice this on the real CBT interface
Solve this JEE Main question (and the rest of the Structure of Atom chapter) on PrepSharp's TCS iON-style CBT player — with timer, bookmarks and session analytics.
Solve interactively →About this question
This is a previous-year question from JEE Main 2026, covering the Structure of Atom chapter of Chemistry. PrepSharp catalogues every PYQ from JEE Main with a verified answer key and step-by-step solution prepared by IIT alumni — so you can search by chapter, topic or year and revise efficiently.