Subshell Definition (Electron)

What Is a Subshell in Chemistry?

The f subshell, shown here, is partially full in atoms of Lanthanide elements.
The f subshell, shown here, is partially full in atoms of Lanthanide elements. DR MARK J. WINTER, Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on November 04, 2019

A subshell is a subdivision of electron shells separated by electron orbitals. Subshells are labelled s, p, d, and f in an electron configuration.

Subshell Examples

Here is a chart of subshells, their names, and the number of electrons they can hold:

Subshell ℓ Maximum Electrons Shells Containing It Name
s 0 2 every shell sharp
p 1 6 2nd and higher principal
d 2 10 3rd and higher diffuse
f 3 14 4th and higher fundamental

For example, the first electron shell is the 1s subshell. The second shell of electrons contains the 2s and 2p subshells.

Relating Shells, Subshells, and Orbitals

Each atom has an electron shell, which is labeled K, L, M, N, O, P, Q or 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, moving from the shell closest to the atomic nucleus and moving outward. Electrons in outer shells have higher average energy than those in inner shells.

Each shell consists of one or more subshells. Each subshells is composed of atomic orbitals.

Source

  • Jue, T. "Quantum Mechanic Basic to Biophysical Methods." Fundamental Concepts in Biophysics. Humana Press, 2009, New York.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Subshell Definition (Electron)." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-subshell-605700. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Subshell Definition (Electron). Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-subshell-605700 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Subshell Definition (Electron)." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-subshell-605700 (accessed June 6, 2023).