Question

In which orbital does an electron in a bromine atom experience the greatest effective nuclear charge?

Answer 1

First let us determine the electronic configuration of Bromine (Br). This is written as:

Br = [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p5

 

Then we must recall that the greatest effective nuclear charge (also referred to as shielding) greatly increases as distance of the orbital to the nucleus also increases. So therefore the electron in the farthest shell will experience the greatest nuclear charge hence the answer is:

4p orbital

Answer 2

Explanation:

As the shielding effect is the effect which occurs when electrons shield each other from being attracted by the nucleus.

The effective nuclear charge is the net effective positive charge experienced by the electrons in an atom.

The electronic configuration of bromine is as follows.

      $1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2^p{6} 3s^{2} 3p^{6} 3d^{10} 4s^{2} 4p^{5}$

Since, 1s orbital is closure to the nucleus hence it will experience the greatest nuclear charge.