- Shell: A shell refers to a group of atomic orbitals with the same principal quantum number, denoted by the letter n (e.g., K shell, L shell, M shell). It represents a specific energy level in an atom where electrons are likely to be found. Each shell can hold a specific number of electrons and is associated with a particular energy level.
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Sub-shell: A sub-shell is a subdivision of a shell and is characterized by the azimuthal quantum number l. Sub-shells are denoted as s, p, d, and f, where each letter represents a different shape and energy level of orbitals within that shell. The number of sub-shells in a shell depends on the value of n (the shell’s principal quantum number). For example, the first shell (n=1) has one sub-shell (1s), the second shell (n=2) has two sub-shells (2s, 2p), and so on.