An electron in a(n) subshell experiences the greatest effective nuclear charge in a many- electron atom.
A) 4s
B) 3p
C) 3f
D) 3s
E) 3d

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The effective nuclear charge experienced by an electron in a subshell depends on the magnitude of the nuclear charge and the shielding effect of the other electrons in the atom. The 4s, 3p, 3f, and 3d subshells all have increasing levels of electron shielding as the energy level increases, which decreases the effective nuclear charge experienced by an electron in those subshells. The 3s subshell, however, has relatively low shielding and is closer to the nucleus, resulting in a higher effective nuclear charge experienced by its electrons.

An Electron in A(n) Subshell Experiences the Greatest Effective Nuclear