In which orbital does an electron experience the highest Z_eff? A) P (3p) B) Na (3s) C) Al (3p) D) Mg (3s) E) S (3p)

Question

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Z_eff is the effective nuclear charge experienced by an electron. It is the net positive charge of the nucleus that is experienced by the electron, taking into account the shielding effect of other electrons. The shielding effect is the reduction in the nuclear charge experienced by an electron due to the presence of other electrons between the nucleus and the electron in question.The Z_eff experienced by an electron in a particular orbital depends on the number of electrons in the orbital and the number of electrons in orbitals that are closer to the nucleus. The more electrons there are in an orbital, the greater the shielding effect, and the lower the Z_eff experienced by an electron in that orbital. The closer an orbital is to the nucleus, the greater the Z_eff experienced by an electron in that orbital.Of the choices given, the electron in the 3p orbital of P experiences the highest Z_eff. This is because the 3p orbital is closer to the nucleus than the 3s orbital, and there are fewer electrons in the 3p orbital than in the 3s orbital.

In Which Orbital Does an Electron Experience the Highest Zeff

In Which Orbital Does an Electron Experience the Highest Z_eff