Sapling question 24

[Chloe Shamtob 2H]

Hi, can someone please explain what having a high effective nuclear charge means? Why do the 2p electrons in fluorine have a higher effective nuclear charge that the 2p electrons in oxygen?

[ColmConnolly3D]

Effective nuclear charge refers to the net positive charge an electron experiences in an atom. Since the only positive component of an atom of matter is a proton, and a fluorine atom would have 1 more proton than an oxygen atom, a fluorine atom would have more total positive charge to distribute amongst its electrons. This means that, even though the two electrons are in the same orbital, they will receive a different amount of charge from the nucleus.
I hope this helps! Lmk if you still have questions.

[Hayden Lee 1C]

Hi,

Having a high effective nuclear charge signifies that the electrons are more attracted to the nucleus, resulting in a smaller atomic radius. The effective nuclear charge is the net positive charge from the nucleus on an electron. So, having a higher effective nuclear charge means the electrons are more greatly attracted to the nucleus. Fluorine has a greater nuclear charge in comparison to Oxygen because it possesses more protons, causing it to have a greater attraction for electrons at its nucleus. Hope this helps!

[Lillian]

The fluorine atom has a higher number of protons in its nucleus (meaning there is a higher charge that attracts electrons). Because of this, the attraction would be higher :)