How many electrons can each shell contain at maximum according to the formula provided?

The maximum number of electrons that each shell can hold is determined by the formula (2(n^2)), where (n) represents the principal quantum number corresponding to the shell. Each electron shell can be visualized as layers around the nucleus, with each layer having a specific capacity based on its energy level.

For example, when (n=1) (the first shell), the maximum number of electrons is (2(1^2) = 2). For the second shell ((n=2)), it is (2(2^2) = 8), and for the third shell ((n=3)), it is (2(3^2) = 18). This pattern continues with increasing shells, consistently illustrating how the number of electrons grows with each additional energy level.

Understanding this formula is crucial for grasping the structure of atoms and how electrons are distributed across different shells, which in turn influences chemical behavior and bonding characteristics.