Explain the phrase \(e\)ffective nuclear charge. How is this related to the shielding effect?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Effective nuclear charge refers to net positive charge perceived by an electron in a multi-electron atom due to partial shielding from the nucleus by other electrons. Shielding effect refers to the reduction in this charge due to inner electrons. The two are inversely related; increased shielding effect equals lower effective nuclear charge and vice versa.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Effective Nuclear Charge

Effective Nuclear Charge is defined as the net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom. It's not the full force of positively charged nucleus because the negatively charged electrons shield each other from the full effect of the nucleus' positive charge. In simple terms, it demonstrates the overall charge that an electron perceives from the nucleus.
02

Definition of Shielding Effect

Shielding Effect can be described as a reduction in the positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom. The inner electrons provide a 'shield' for the outer electrons against the positive charge of the nucleus, hence reducing the full impact of the positive attraction from the nucleus on the outer electrons.
03

Correlation Between Effective Nuclear Charge and Shielding Effect

The concepts of effective nuclear charge and the shielding effect are interconnected. As the shielding effect increases, the effective nuclear charge decreases. Here's why: The more inner electrons (shields) an atom has, the more the outer electrons will be protected from the nucleus's pull. Hence, the outermost electrons - experiencing a lesser attractive force (result of increased shielding) perceive a smaller nuclear charge i.e., a smaller effective nuclear charge.

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