What is screening effect? How is it related

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Detailed Solution

The screening effect (or shielding effect) is the reduction in the effective nuclear charge (Z_eff) felt by outer electrons. Inner-shell electrons block part of the attraction from the positively charged nucleus. As a result, outer electrons experience a weaker pull.

How Does It Affect Atomic Properties?

Ionization Energy: Higher shielding lowers ionization energy because outer electrons are less tightly bound.
Atomic Radius: Greater shielding increases atomic size since outer electrons are held less strongly.
Electron Affinity: A strong screening effect reduces electron affinity, making it harder for the atom to attract extra electrons.

Trends and Examples

The effect becomes stronger in elements with more inner electrons. For example, sodium (Na) shows greater shielding than lithium (Li). Slater’s rules help calculate Z_eff more precisely.

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