The energy states of atoms containing more than one electron arise from nucleus-electron and electron-electron interactions. Which of the following statements correctly describes these effects?
A) Larger nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital lowers energy.
B) Larger nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital increases energy.
C) Smaller nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital lowers energy.
D) Smaller nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital increases energy.
E) None of these statements is generally correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The larger nuclear charge attracts electrons more strongly, thus lowering their energy. However, electron-electron repulsion increases as more electrons occupy an orbital, causing higher energy.

The Energy States of Atoms Containing More Than One Electron