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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Slater's rules, the effective nuclear charge experienced by an electron in a subshell is influenced by the number and type of electrons in the same and lower energy level orbitals. The greater the number of electrons in these orbitals, the greater the shielding effect, and the less the effective nuclear charge experienced by the electron. Therefore, we need to consider the electron configuration and compare the subshells.

In a many-electron atom, 3s is the first subshell to be filled, followed by 3p, 3d, and 4s. The 3d subshell has five electrons, which leads to significant shielding effects, reducing the effective nuclear charge experienced by an electron in this subshell. The 3p subshell has three electrons, while the 3s subshell has only two electrons. Therefore, an electron in the 3s subshell experiences the greatest effective nuclear charge in a many-electron atom. Therefore, the best choice is D.

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