Shielding Effect
What is Shielding Effect?
The shielding effect (electron shielding or screening) refers to the reduction of the attractive force experienced by outer electrons due to the presence of inner-shell electrons between them and the positively charged nucleus. Inner electrons partially cancel the nuclear charge felt by outer electrons, reducing the effective nuclear charge (Zeff). Shielding increases down a group (more inner electron shells) and is responsible for the decreasing ionization energy and increasing atomic radius observed going down a group in the periodic table.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
The shielding effect (electron shielding or screening) refers to the reduction of the attractive force experienced by outer electrons due to the presence of inner-shell electrons between them and the positively charged nucleus. Inner electrons partially cancel the nuclear charge felt by outer electrons, reducing the effective nuclear charge (Zeff). Shielding increases down a group (more inner electron shells) and is responsible for the decreasing ionization energy and increasing atomic radius observed going down a group in the periodic table.