Shielding Effect
Mediumchemistry
Which subshell provides poorest shielding?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
f
- Shielding (Screening): The decrease in nuclear pull felt by valence electrons due to the presence of intervening inner electrons.
- Effectiveness Order: This depends on the spatial distribution (penetration) of orbitals: s>p>d>f.
- Why and how?:
- s orbitals have a spherical shape and get very close to the nucleus, providing excellent protection.
- d and f orbitals are 'diffuse' and geometrically less effective at 'covering' the nuclear charge.
- Consequence: Poor shielding by f-electrons is the fundamental cause of Lanthanide Contraction.
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- classification of elements and periodicity in properties
- Topic
- shielding effect
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
f
- Shielding (Screening): The decrease in nuclear pull felt by valence electrons due to the presence of intervening inner electrons.
- Effectiveness Order: This depends on the spatial distribution (penetration) of orbitals: s>p>d>f.
- Why and how?:
- s orbitals have a spherical shape and get very close to the nucleus, providing excellent protection.
- d and f orbitals are 'diffuse' and geometrically less effective at 'covering' the nuclear charge.
- Consequence: Poor shielding by f-electrons is the fundamental cause of Lanthanide Contraction.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter classification of elements and periodicity in properties, covering the topic of shielding effect. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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