Why does an electron found in a 2s orbital have a lower energy than an electron found in a 2p orbital in multielectron systems?
A) Electrons in the 2s orbital are shielded by electrons in the 2p.
B) There are more nodes found in the 2s orbital.
C) Electrons in the 2s orbital can penetrate the 1s orbital and be closer to the nucleus.
D) The larger number of electrons found in the 2p orbital leads to greater repulsion.
E) The shape of the orbital ultimately determines the energy of the electrons.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrons in the 2s orbital can penetrate the 1s orbital and be closer to the nucleus. This leads to a stronger attraction to the nucleus, resulting in a lower energy for electrons in the 2s orbital compared to those in the 2p orbital.

Why Does an Electron Found in a 2s Orbital Have