Here's why:

* Orbital Shells: Electrons orbit the nucleus of an atom in distinct energy levels called shells. The first shell is the closest to the nucleus and can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.

* Neon's Electron Configuration: Neon has an atomic number of 10, meaning it has 10 protons and 10 electrons. Its electron configuration is 2, 8. This means:

* 2 electrons are in the first shell (n=1).

* 8 electrons are in the second shell (n=2).