B.sc 1st year Book
(Page 12)
Screening effect or shielding effect
In the case of multi electrons atom, the valence shell electrons are attracted by the nucleus and repelled by other inner shell electrons present in that atom. The resultant effect of these attractive and repulsive forces acting on the valence shell electron reduces the net attractive force of the nucleus on it. ( Screening effect or Shielding effect )
Thus, an effective nuclear charge may be defined as ” the actual nuclear charge (Z) minus the screening constant (σ) produced by the electrons residing between the nucleus and the outermost shell electron (valency electrons)’,
Slater’s rule for calculating Screening constant:

Calculation of σ and Zeff :
(a) For the last electron examples are:-
$$ \left(i\right)\:For\:Na\:atom:\:\frac{\left(1s^2\right)}{2}\:\frac{\left(2s,\:2p\right)^8}{8}\:\frac{\left(3s\right)^1}{1} $$
(σ)Na = 0.35x(0) + 0.85x(8) + 1.00x(2)
= 0.00 + 6.80 + 2.00 = 8.80
therefore,
(Zeff)Na = 11.00 – 8.80 = 2.20
$$ \left(ii\right)\:For\:Na^+\:ion\::\:\frac{1s^2}{2}\:\frac{\left(2s,2p\right)^8}{8} $$
(σ)Na+ = 0.35(7) + 0.85x(2)
= 2.45 + 1.70 = 4.15
therefore,
(Zeff)Na+=11.00-4.15
$$ \left(iii\right)\:For\:K\:atom\::\:\frac{\left(1s^2\right),\:\left(2s,2p\right)^8}{10},\frac{\left(3s,3p\right)^8}{8},\frac{\left(4s\right)^{1}}{1} $$
(σ)Na = 0.35x(0) + 0.85x(8) + 1.00x(10)
Related Topic | Atomic Structure and Periodic Table |
Limitation of Slater Rule :
(i) Both s and p orbitals are grouped together for calculating the effective nuclear charge whereas the radial probability distribution curves tor a given a indicate a higher penetration or shielding effect of s as compared to p – orbital.
(ii) Penetration by higher occupied orbitals( than the one consider) Into inner orbitals is well known but even then their contribution is ignored as per Slater’s rule.
(iii) All electrons irrespective of s,ρ,d, or l orbitals at positions lower than the ( n−1) shall shield the n shell electron with an equal contribution of 1.00. This is unjustified because all orbitals are not the same so, different orbitals cannot have the same contribution to energy consideration.
Page 12
Frequently Asked Questions
The phenomena or process when the nuclear reduces our force of attraction in the balance electrons. due to the opposite charge electron present on the orbital. That is why electron-electrons repel each other in 1st orbital to the n-orbital and the nuclear force reduces here.
Check diagram of screening effect give above.
The Shielding Effect is also known as the Screening effect. In which the force of attraction of nuclear is reduced by valance electrons is called the ‘Shielding Effect’.
The nuclear force reduces by the valance electron or inner orbital electron. due to electron-electron repelling each other of the atom in the inner orbitals and outer orbitals, the extra force reduced by the nuclear is called the ‘shielding effect’.
The problems come to detect the shielding effect or screening effect in the 1915s. Then Slater proposed the following empirical rules in the 1930s.
Calculating or detecting the average value of the screening or shielding effect is called the ‘Slater Rule’.
S is the Slater Constant.
Please Read the above on this page to check all Slater Rules.