Here's why:

* Sublevels: The p energy level has three sublevels: p_x, p_y, and p_z.

* Orbitals: Each sublevel has one orbital.

* Electrons per orbital: Each orbital can hold a maximum of two electrons (due to the Pauli Exclusion Principle).

Therefore, the p energy level (with its three sublevels and three orbitals) can hold a total of 3 orbitals * 2 electrons/orbital = 6 electrons.