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Ch.7 - Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 7, Problem 81a

(a) If the core electrons were totally effective at screening the valence electrons and the valence electrons provided no screening for each other, what would be the effective nuclear charge acting on the 3s and 3p valence electrons in P?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Effective Nuclear Charge (Z_eff)

Effective nuclear charge (Z_eff) is the net positive charge experienced by an electron in a multi-electron atom. It accounts for the actual nuclear charge (the number of protons) minus the shielding effect of inner (core) electrons. In the case of phosphorus (P), Z_eff helps determine how strongly the valence electrons are attracted to the nucleus, influencing their energy levels and chemical behavior.
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Electron Shielding

Electron shielding occurs when inner electrons partially block the attraction between the nucleus and the outer (valence) electrons. This effect reduces the effective nuclear charge felt by the valence electrons. In the context of the question, if core electrons are fully effective at screening, the valence electrons would experience a significantly lower Z_eff, impacting their energy and reactivity.
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Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are primarily responsible for its chemical properties and bonding behavior. In phosphorus, the 3s and 3p orbitals contain the valence electrons. Understanding their interaction with the nucleus and the effect of shielding is crucial for predicting how phosphorus will react with other elements.
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