Chapter 5, Problem 5.129MP

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The value of ${\text{Z}}_{\text{eff}}$ for the highest energy electron in potassium needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An atom consists of three sub-atomic particles; electrons, protons, and neutrons. Here, the protons and neutrons are placed in the nucleus at the center of atom whereas electrons are placed in certain energy levels around the nucleus.

In an atom, there is an attraction force between electrons and nucleus due to opposite charges whereas electrons in different orbitals exert repulsion force on each other. Because of this repulsion force, the nuclear attraction felt by an electron is less than the actual nuclear charge. This nuclear charge that is felt by an electron is called as effective nuclear charge ${\text{Z}}_{\text{eff}}$. Hence the effective nuclear charge ${\text{Z}}_{\text{eff}}$ is due to repulsion between electrons in an atom.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The value of ${\text{Z}}_{\text{eff}}$ for the highest energy electron in krypton needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

An atom consists of three sub-atomic particles; electrons, protons, and neutrons. Here the protons and neutrons are placed in the nucleus at the center of atom whereas electrons are placed in certain energy levels around the nucleus.

In an atom, there is an attractive force between electrons and nucleus due to opposite charges whereas electrons in different orbitals exert repulsion force on each other. Because of this repulsion force, the nuclear attraction felt by an electron is less than the actual nuclear charge. This nuclear charge that is felt by an electron is called an effective nuclear charge ${\text{Z}}_{\text{eff}}$. Hence the effective nuclear charge ${\text{Z}}_{\text{eff}}$ is due to repulsion between electrons in an atom.