Question

Q22.  Which best represents how electrons are arranged in the energy levels of a carbon atom? A.First energy level = 1 electron   Second energy level = 5 electrons b. First energy level = 3 electrons   Second energy level = 3 electrons C.First energy level = 2 electrons    Second energy level = 4 electrons D. First energy level = 4 electrons   Second energy level = 2 electrons
I know the answer is b but why?

Answer 1

The correct answer is C
the first energy level can hold up to 2 electrons, the second level can hold up to 8 electrons, the third level holds up to 18 electrons, etc.
For a regular element, the number of protons and electrons will be equal.  Carbon has 6 protons (same as the atomic number), so you need to start at the first shell (closest to the nucleus) and start filling.  The first level can only hold 2 electrons, so that means there are 4 left that will fit into the second level.
I hope this helps a little, I know it's confusing.