Which orbital can hold a maximum of 8 electrons?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the p orbital. Each p orbital can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (2 electrons in each of the 3 p orbitals), totaling 18 possible electrons when considering all three p orbitals. The s orbital can hold a maximum of 2 electrons, the d orbital can hold a maximum of 10 electrons, and the f orbital can hold a maximum of 14 electrons. Therefore, the p orbital is the orbital that can hold a maximum of 8 electrons, making it the correct choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the f orbital. Each f orbital can hold up to 2 electrons. Since there are 5 f orbitals, the total maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in f orbitals is 10 (2 electrons per orbital x 5 orbitals = 10 electrons). Therefore, the f orbital can hold a maximum of 10 electrons. Choice A, s orbital, is incorrect because it can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. Choice B, p orbital, is incorrect because it can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (3 orbitals x 2 electrons per orbital = 6 electrons). Choice C, d orbital, is incorrect as it can hold a maximum of 10 electrons (5 orbitals x 2 electrons per orbital = 10 electrons), but the question asks for the type of orbital that can hold a maximum of 10 electrons, not the total number of electrons in d orbitals.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Elements in Group 18 (Noble gases) are generally unreactive because their outermost electron shells are completely filled. This results in high stability and low reactivity since they have achieved a full valence shell configuration, making them less likely to gain, lose, or share electrons with other atoms. The full valence shell configuration leads to a minimal tendency for these elements to form chemical bonds, hence exhibiting low reactivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high atomic masses, lack of valence electrons, and existing as single atoms do not directly contribute to the unreactivity of noble gases. It is the full valence shell configuration that is the primary reason for their inert nature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbon dioxide is the correct answer. It is used in fire extinguishers because it displaces oxygen, which is necessary for combustion. When carbon dioxide is released onto a fire, it reduces the oxygen concentration around the flames, effectively smothering the fire. This disruption of oxygen availability interrupts the chemical reaction that sustains the fire. Nitrogen (Choice A), helium (Choice C), and argon (Choice D) are not typically used in fire extinguishers for smothering flames by displacing oxygen. Nitrogen is an inert gas that can displace oxygen but is not as effective as carbon dioxide in fire suppression.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Elasticity refers to a material's ability to resist deformation and return to its original shape after stress is applied. It is the property that resists a change in shape. Density is the mass per unit volume of a substance. Mass is the amount of matter in an object, while inertia is the tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion. Viscosity, not mentioned in the question, is the resistance of a fluid to flow, not shape change.