Question

The shielding of electrons gives rise to an effective nuclear charge, Zeff, which explains why boron is larger than oxygen. Estimate the approximate Zeff felt by a valence electron of boron and oxygen, respectively?
A. +5 and +8
B. +3 and +6
C. +5 and +6
D. +3 and +8
E. +1 and +4

Answer 1

Answer:

Option B. +3 and +6

Explanation:

Zeff = z - s

where z is the atomic number, s is the number of shielding(non-valence) electrons

For Boron, electronic configuration is 1s²2s³.

z = 5, s = 2

Zeff = 5 - 2 = +3

For Oxygen, electronic configuration is 1s²2s²2p⁴

z = 8, s = 2

Zeff = 8 - 2 = +6