* s orbital: Can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
* p orbital: Can hold a maximum of 6 electrons (3 orbitals within a p subshell, each holding 2 electrons).
* d orbital: Can hold a maximum of 10 electrons (5 orbitals within a d subshell, each holding 2 electrons).
* f orbital: Can hold a maximum of 14 electrons (7 orbitals within a f subshell, each holding 2 electrons).
However, it's important to remember the Pauli Exclusion Principle, which states that no two electrons in an atom can have the same set of four quantum numbers. This means each orbital can only hold a maximum of 2 electrons, with opposite spins.
Therefore, the total maximum number of electrons that orbitals can hold is determined by the number of orbitals in a given shell. For example, the first shell (n=1) has only one s orbital, so it can hold a maximum of 2 electrons. The second shell (n=2) has one s orbital and three p orbitals, for a total of 4 orbitals, so it can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.
In summary: While each individual orbital holds a maximum of 2 electrons, the overall number of electrons an atom can have is determined by the number of orbitals within its electron shells.
