The greatest effective nuclear charge in a many-electron atom is experienced by an electron in a ________ subshell.
A)6s
B)5s
C)2s
D)4s
E)3s

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greatest effective nuclear charge is experienced by an electron in a subshell with a lower principal quantum number and lower angular momentum quantum number. In this case, the 2s subshell has both a lower principal quantum number and lower angular momentum quantum number than the other options. Therefore, the electron in the 2s subshell will experience the greatest effective nuclear charge.

The Greatest Effective Nuclear Charge in a Many-Electron Atom Is