Effective nuclear charge (Z_eff) for a nucleus of an atom is defined as

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screening of positive charge on nucleus by innermost shell electrons.

the net positive charge experienced by electron from the nucleus

shielding of the outermost shell electrons from the nucleus by the innermost shell electrons

the attractive force experienced by the nucleus from electron

answer is B.

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Detailed Solution

The effective nuclear charge Z_effis the net positive charge experienced by an electron from the nucleus in a polyelectronic atom.
The term "effective" is used because the shielding effect of negatively charged electrons prevents higher orbital electrons from experiencing the full nuclear charge of the nucleus due to the repelling effect of inner-layer electrons.