The unpaired electrons in Al and Si are present in 3p orbital. Which electrons will experience more effective nuclear charge from the nucleus?
The unpaired electrons in Silicon (Si) will experience more effective nuclear charge.
Explanation
Silicon has a higher atomic number than Aluminium, meaning it has a greater positive charge in its nucleus. Since the unpaired electrons in both Al and Si are present in the same 3p orbital, they experience a similar amount of shielding from the inner electrons. Because the nuclear charge is greater in Si while the shielding is relatively the same, the effective nuclear charge experienced by the 3p electrons is higher in Si.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify that both Al and Si have their unpaired electrons in the orbital, meaning they experience similar shielding from inner shell electrons.
Step 2: Recognize that Si has a higher atomic number (more protons) than Al, resulting in a greater nuclear charge.
Step 3: Conclude that with similar shielding but a higher nuclear charge, the unpaired electrons in Si experience a greater effective nuclear charge.