How many electrons can the f subshell hold at maximum?

The f subshell can hold a maximum of 14 electrons. This is based on its shape and the quantum numbers associated with f orbitals.

Each f subshell consists of seven distinct orbitals. According to quantum mechanics, each orbital can accommodate a maximum of two electrons with opposite spins due to the Pauli exclusion principle. Therefore, if you multiply the seven orbitals by the two electrons per orbital, you arrive at a total of 14 electrons that the f subshell can hold.

Understanding this capacity is crucial in fields such as chemistry and quantum mechanics, as it informs how elements fill their electron shells and how they behave chemically. The f subshell is particularly relevant for the lanthanide and actinide series in the periodic table, which are characterized by their filling of f orbitals.