An electron in a 3s3s orbital penetrates into the region occupied by core electrons more than electrons in a 3p3p orbital. An electron in a orbital penetrates into the region occupied by core electrons more than electrons in a orbital. true false

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Chemistry

13 April, 00:26

An electron in a 3s3s orbital penetrates into the region occupied by core electrons more than electrons in a 3p3p orbital. An electron in a orbital penetrates into the region occupied by core electrons more than electrons in a orbital. true false

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Kelsie Acevedo · Answer 1

True

Explanation:

The penetrating ability of electrons in the orbitals is in the order s > p > d > f

An electron in a 3s orbital is closer to the nucleus than the one in a 3p orbital and as a result, there will be lesser shielding effect on it. This low shielding effect experienced by the 3s electron gives it a high penetration ability and hence will be able to easily penetrate regions occupied by core electrons. Conversely, the 3p orbital is farther away from the nucleus, electrons revolving around it are highly shielded which limits their ability to penetrate regions of core electrons.

Note that the maximum electrons that the s orbital can accommodate is 2 while p orbital can accommodate a maximum of 8.