In: Chemistry
Which has the highest Zeff for its valence electron?
A) He
B) Si
C) K
D) H
And why?
The answer in the image with calculations is for the Helium subpart. The same format is to be followed while calculating Zeff for various elements. (Please find the shielding values of electrons present in the element as the values differ from level to level.)
Similarly, for Hydrogen, Zeff= 1. (As there is only one electron which is itself the valence electron.)
For Si, Zeff= 14, 13.65, 14 and 13.65 for electrons in consideration of 3s1, 3s2, 3p1 and 3p2, respectively.
And, for K which has only one valence electron i.e. 4s1,
Zeff = 17.3
Amongst the given options, Zeff of the element Potassium is the highest.
Note: 1. Please refer 'Slater Rules' to understand Zeff calculations in depth. Stating the rules here would lengthen the answer.
2. The periodic table shows increase in Zeff across the periods due to increase in Z or atomic number or number of protons and no accompanied/corresponding shielding effect.
3. The values of shielding for various electrons for various levels are different. Please check the values before reading the solution.