What is the maximum number of orbitals in the f subshell?

The f subshell is characterized by having a specific set of orbitals that can accommodate electrons. Each type of subshell has a defined number of orbitals based on its angular momentum quantum number (l). For the f subshell, the angular momentum quantum number is 3.

According to quantum mechanics, the number of orbitals in a subshell can be determined by the formula 2l + 1. For the f subshell, substituting l = 3 into this formula gives:

2(3) + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7

This means that there are seven orbitals in the f subshell. Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons, which contributes to the overall electron capacity of the f subshell, but the key focus of this question is on the number of orbitals themselves.

The other choices do not reflect the correct application of this formula for the f subshell. Choices suggesting fewer orbitals do not account for the full range of spatial orientations that the f orbitals can occupy in space.