Electron shielding [ENDORSED]

[Kati Rady-Pentek 1E]

Why do the inner electrons shield the outer electrons from electrostatic attraction of the nucleus?

[Riya 14B-2]

Hey!

I think this is due to the fact that both the inner and outer electrons have negative charge, and thus the outer electrons are repelled by the inner electrons, thus "shielding" them from the attractive force from the positively charged nucleus. This explains why it's easier to remove valence electrons from an atom, as they feel less of the pull from the nucleus than the inner electrons (which can be seen mathematically w/Coulomb's Law).

Hope this helps :)

[Chance Lee 1G]

Electron shielding occurs because the inner electrons receive most of the attractive forces between the negative forces found within themselves and positive force the nucleus holds. In regards to the outer electrons, the valence electrons will feel less of this attractive forces since the inner electrons are covering them, forcing the outer electrons to keep their distance to the nucleus farther away.