In: Chemistry
According to Zeff = Z-S, a valence electron in Mg is expected to "see” a +2 charge from the nucleus. However, the actual Zeffis closer to 3.3. Which of the following statements best describes this discrepancy? O
The valence shell of Mg only contains two electrons
The two valence electrons in Mg repulse each other
The 10 core electrons effectively shield the valence electrons
Magic!
According to probability, valence electrons may actually reside within the core electron shells and experience a larger positive charge from the nucleus
The reason is: option 5: According to probability, valence electrons may actually reside within the core electromn shells and experience a larger positive charge from the nucleus
This is because the closer an electron is to the nucleus, the greater is the Zeff. Since electrons dynamically transfer between the diferent shells, they can exist in multiple shells at different timnes. On averaging out the Nuclear charge experienced, we get a value above +2.