In: Chemistry
Which has the smallest Zeff for its valence electrons?
A) F
B) Cl
C) Br
D) I
E) A-D all have the same Zeff
The effective nuclear charge (often symbolized as Zeff or Z*) is the net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom. The term “effective” is used because the shielding effect of negatively charged electrons prevents higher orbital or valency electrons from experiencing the full nuclear charge.
The effective nuclear charge on an electron is given by the following equation:
Zeff = Z – S
where Z is the number of protons in the nucleus (atomic number), and S is the number of electrons between the nucleus and the electron in question (the number of nonvalence electrons).
As you move from left to right along a period, and more positive charges (protons) fill up the nucleus, the more attraction the valence electron feels. As you move down a group, you jump into the next electron shell, thus shielding the valence electrons from the inner positive charge, and decreasing the effective nuclear charge.
Here, correct option : (D) I