Classification of elements and Periodic

Table

By Manisha Neupane

AUGUST 2023
UNIT.4.Classification of Elements and Periodic Table

▪ Introduction and historical background

▪ Modern periodic law and modern periodic table
▪ Classification of elements into different groups, periods and blocks
▪ IUPAC classification of elements
▪ Nuclear charge and effective nuclear charge
▪ Periodic trend and periodicity
• Atomic radii
• Ionic radii
• Ionization energy
• Electron affinity
• Electronegativity
• Metallic characters (General trend and explanation only)
Introduction and historical background
❖Purest form of a matter which cannot be split into anything simpler is called an element.
❖More than 116 elements have been discovered yet
❖Exist in solid, liquid and gas
❖Mostly natural and very few artificial elements
❖Before the 19th century, only a few elements were discovered. Few elements like copper,
gold, silver, tin, zinc, mercury, lead, carbon, sulfur etc were known since ancient times. By
the middle of the 19th century, about 63 elements were discovered.

❖Lavoisor (1789) classified elements as metals and nonmetals.

❖John Dalton (1808) proposed ‘Atomic theory’ in which he suggested that one element can
be distinguished from other elements by atomic weight. Thereafter scientists tried to
classify elements on the basis of atomic weight.
 Dobereiner’s triad (1829)
▪ Only 53 elements were known at that time
▪ Dobereiner (German chemist) suggested that
Elements having similar properties can be arranged in a group of three
called triads in which the atomic weight of the middle element is the
arithmetic mean (approx) of the other two elements and properties are also
average of the two.

▪ The first attempt to correlate the

chemical properties with atomic weight
was done by Dobereiner.
Limitation
▪ Only applicable for few elements but
not for all elements
e.g. Fe, Co, Ni → Not applicable
Newlands law of octaves (1864)
John Newland (a British chemist as well as a musician) suggested that
When the elements are arranged according to increasing atomic masses, the
physical and chemical properties of every eighth element are similar to that
of the first like the eighth note of octave in music.

sa (do) re (re) ga (mi) ma (fa) pa (so) da (la) ni (ti)

H Li Be B C N O
F Na Mg Al Si P F
Cl K Ca

• Newlands was the first person to devise a periodic table of chemical elements arranged in order
of their relative atomic masses.

Limitation
The law was applicable for elements with atomic masses up to 40.
Lothar Mayer’s atomic volume curve (1869)
Lother Mayer (a German chemist) suggested that
if atomic volume of elements is plotted against their atomic weights, elements having
similar properties occupy the similar positions in the curve.
▪ Atomic volume is the ratio of atomic weight to density.

❖ The curve shows the periodicity.

For example, alkali metals occupy peak

positions in the curve, Halogens occupy the
ascending position, Alkaline earth metals
occupy the descending position in the curve.

Limitation
Only few properties of elements could be
studied from such a curve. Various properties
of elements cannot be compared in various
aspects from such curves.
Mendeleev’s periodic law and Mendeleev’s periodic table

The most significant contribution in the systematic arrangement of elements was made by
Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeléev, a Russian chemist in 1869, in the form of Mendeleev's
periodic table based on Mendeleev’s periodic law.

➢ Mendeleev’s periodic law states that the physical and chemical properties of
elements are the periodic function of their atomic masses. That is elements are
arranged in increasing order of their atomic weights.
Mendeleev’s Periodic Table (Original)

Source: Wikipedia
Mendeleev’s Periodic Table (Modified)
Structural features of Mendeleev’s periodic table

❖ The table consists of seven rows called periods (1-7) and eight columns called
groups (I-VIII) but modified Mendeleev’s periodic table contains nine groups
(I-VIII and 0 for noble gasses)
❖ Each group (except group VIII and group 0) has been divided into two
subgroups: subgroup A, and subgroup B with different sets of elements.
Group VIII contains a set of three elements in a particular period.
1.
❖ Lanthanides and Actinides are included in the main body of the periodic table.
They have been separately placed at the bottom of the periodic table.
Emphasis was given on similarity in properties along with atomic
weight, so blank /spaces were left in the periodic table.
Advantages of Mendeleev’s periodic table

1. Prediction of undiscovered elements

Eka boron = Scandium
Eka silicon = Germanium
Eka aluminum = Gallium
Eka manganese = Technetium
2. Correction of faulty atomic weight
3. Systematic Classification of Elements
 Anomalies/Defects in the Mendeleev’s periodic table

❖ Position of hydrogen, isotopes, lanthanides and actinides is not fixed.

❖ Grouping of dissimilar elements in the same group- alkali metal elements in coinage
metals (Cu, Ag, Au)
❖ Anomalies pair of elements (Inversion in law) - Higher atomic weight elements placed
before lower atomic weight elements. For example
Argon (At. Wt. = 39.9) placed before Potassium (At. Wt. = 39.1)
Cobalt (At. Wt. = 58.9) placed before Nickel (At. Wt. = 58.6)
Tellurium (At. Wt. = 127.5) placed before Iodine (At. Wt. = 126.9)
❖ Separation of similar properties of elements – Cu and Hg, Au and Pt are chemically
similar in some respect but they have been placed in different groups
❖ No explanation for the cause of periodicity
MCQs
1. The first attempt to classify elements was made by
(a) Mendeleev (b) Newlands
(c) Lothar Meyer (d) Dobereiner
2. Lothar Meyer drew a graph showing the relationship between
(a) atomic number, atomic weight
(b) atomic number, atomic size
(c) atomic weight, atomic size
(d) atomic weight, atomic volume
3. Law of octaves was enunciated by
(a) Mendeleev (b) Newlands
(c) Lothar Meyer (d) Dobereiner
4. The most important active step in the development of periodic table was taken by
(a) Mendeleev (b) Dalton (c) Avogadro (d) Cavendish
5. Mendeleev’s periodic law is based on
(a) At. no. (b) At. wt. (c) no of neutrons (d) mass no.
Periodic Table
Modern periodic law and modern periodic table
In 1913, Henry Moseley discovered that frequencies of X-rays emitted from elements are
proportional to square root of a number near to atomic number – Atomic number is found to be
more fundamental property than the atomic mass – This is the basis of modern periodic law.

The modern periodic law states that the physical and chemical properties of elements
are the periodic function of their atomic numbers.

▪ As the elements were arranged on the basis of atomic number, most of the anomalies of
Mendeleev's periodic table were automatically solved.

▪ The modern periodic law is superior to Mendeleev’s periodic law due to following reasons:

1. It eliminates many defects present in the Mendeleev’s periodic table –

Since atomic number is the basis for classification, isotopes do not need separate positions.
Position of Ar before K, position of Ni before Co, position of Te before I are justified since the
former has a lower atomic number than the latter in each case.
 Modern periodic law and modern periodic table

• The physical and chemical properties of the elements are periodic function of
their atomic numbers.

• The repetition of similar properties of the elements after regular intervals is

called Periodicity of elements.

Cause of Periodicity

• Repetition of similar valence shell electronic configuration after certain regular

intervals of atomic number.

• The elements with same no. of outer electrons have similar properties.

By Manisha Neupane
In a period, outer electronic configuration of elements is changed gradually which causes a change
in properties. In the next period, similar outer electronic configuration reappears. Hence
properties are repeated. For example -

Variation of outer electronic configuration in period 2

Variation of outer electronic configuration in period 3

 Modern periodic table (Characterstics)
➢ Consists of 18 vertical columns called groups and 7 horizontal rows called periods.

The groups are numbered from 1 to 18 (IUPAC classification).

• The horizontal rows (periods) are numbered from 1 to 7.

• The first period (first energy shell,n=1) has only one 1s orbital and can hold two electrons known as very
short period.

• The second period (n=2) can hold 8 electrons (in one 2s and three 2p orbitals) known as short period.

• The third period (n=3) can hold 8 electrons(in one 3s and three 3p orbitals) known as short period.

• The fourth period (n=4) can hold 18 electrons (in one 4s,five 3d and three 4p orbitals) known as long
period.
 Modern periodic table (Characterstics)

• The fifth period (n=5) also can hold 18 electrons (in one 5s,five 4d and three
5p orbitals) known as long period.

• The sixth period (n=6) consists of 32 elements ( in one 6s, seven 4f, five 5d,
and three 6p orbitals) including 14 lanthanides and known as longest period.

• The seventh period (n=7) contains ve 32 elements including 14 actinides ( in

one 7s, seven 5f, five 6d, and three 7p orbitals) known as longest period.
 Classification of elements into different Periods
Periods Shell No. of elements Types of period
1 K 2 Very Short period
2 L 8 Short period
3 M 8 Short period
4 N 18 Long period
5 O 18 Long period
6 P 32 Very Long period
7 Q 32 Very Long period
 Classification of elements into different Groups
There are 18 columns which are called families or groups and are indicated by 1, 2, 3, 5, …… 18
(according to IUPAC system)
Each group consists of a set of elements having the same outer electronic configuration, hence
they show similar properties. For example - Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr have the same outer
electronic configuration of ns1 and theory are group 1. Similarly Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra have
the same outer electronic configuration of ns2 and they are in group 2.
Electronic configurations of group 1 and group 2 elements
 Structural features of modern periodic table

➢ On the basis of differentiating (last) electron, elements are classified as - s-block

elements (Group 1 and 2), d-block (Group 3 to 12), p-block (Group 13 to 18), f-block
elements (Lanthanides and Actinides)

➢ On the basis of number of incomplete shell (Bohr’s classification), elements are

classified as - noble gas (Group 18), Normal or Representative elements (Group 1 and
2, group 13 to 17), Transition elements (Group 3 to 12), Inner-transition elements
(Lanthanides and Actinides).

➢ Complete separation of metals from nonmetals has been achieved.

➢ Left portion of the periodic table contains highly reactive metals, the right portion
contains highly reactive nonmetals and the middle portion contains transition
elements.
 Structural features of modern periodic table

➢ Lanthanides and actinides are not included in the main body of the periodic
table.
➢ Two rows at the bottom of table each containing 14 elements are called inner
transistion elements.
➢ The first series after lanthanum (at.no 58 to 71) are called lanthanidies and the
second series after actinum (at.no. 90 to 103) are called actinides.
 Merits of Modern Periodic Table
• The classification of elements is based on atomic number, which is more
fundamental property of an atom.
• It explains the periodicity of properties of the elements and relates them to their
electronic configuration. For eg, all alkali metals have similar valence shell
electronic configuration and hence they have similar properties.
• The reason for placing isotopes at one place is justified as the classification is on
the basis of atomic number.
• The position of elements that were misfits on the mass number (anamalous pairs
such as argon and potassium) is justified on the basis of atomic number.
• The lanthanides and actinides are placed separately at the bottom of periodic
table, (to avoid unnecessary sidewise expansion of table.)
• The table is simple, systematic and easy to remember.
By Manisha Neupane
 Demerits of Modern Periodic Table

• Hydrogen resembles both the alkali metals and halogens but it has
been placed with alkalis.

• Lanthanides and actinides have not been placed in main body of

periodic table.

• Helium is s-block but still kept in p-block due to noble gas property.
Subjective Questions

1. State modern periodic law.

2. What did Henry Moseley discover? Explain.
3. Why is the modern periodic law superior to Mendeleev periodic law? Explain.
4. Properties of elements are governed by electronic structure. Explain with an example.
5. What is meant by periodicity in properties of elements? What is the cause of periodicity?
6. Write the electronic configuration of elements from atomic number 1 (hydrogen) to 30 (Zinc)
in the form of s, p, d and f. [Hint: H=1s1, He=1s2, Li=1s2,2s1 and so on]
7. Describe the main features of the Modern Periodic Table.
8. Why do properties of elements change gradually in a period? Explain with examples.
9. Why do elements of the same group show similar chemical properties? Explain with
examples.
MCQs
1. In the modern periodic table, elements are arranged in
(a) increasing mass (b) increasing volume
(c) increasing at. no. (d) alphabetically
2. Modern periodic table is based on the atomic number of the elements. The experiment which proved the
significance of the atomic number was
(a) Mullikan’s oil drop experiment
(b) Moseley’s work on X-ray spectra
(c) Bragg’s work on X-ray diffraction
(d) Discovery of X-ray by Roentgen
3. The statement that is false for the long form of the periodic table is
(a) It reflects the sequence of filling the electrons in the order of sub-energy levels s, p, d and f
(b) It helps to predict the stable valency states of the elements.
(c) It reflects trends in physical and chemical properties of the elements.
(d) It helps to predict the relative ionicity of the bond between any two elements.
4. In a period, elements are arranged in strict sequence of
(a) Decreasing charges in the nucleus
(b) Increasing charges in the nucleus
(c) Constant charges in the nucleus
(d) Equal charges in the nucleus
 B. Classification into blocks

On the basis of orbital into which differentiating (last) electron enters, elements
in the modern periodic table are classified into four blocks: s-block elements, p-
block elements, d-block elements and f-block elements

Anomaly: Helium even having no p-orbital is placed in p-block.

 Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating electrons

1) s-block elements:
➢ The elements whose outermost electron
enters s-orbital
➢ Group IA and IIA or Group 1 and 2 elements
are s-block elements.
E.g: Be (4) = 1s2 2s2
Na (11) = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating electrons

Characteristics of s-block elements:

1) General outermost electronic configuration is ns1 or ns2.

2) They are reactive soft metals.

3) They are electropositive (easily lose 1 or 2 electrons).

4) They mostly form ionic compounds like NaCl, KCl etc.

5. They show flame tests
Characteristics of s-block elements:
 Electronic configurations
Q. Write electronic configuration of following elements.
i. Helium

ii. Sodium

iii. Carbon

iv. Neon

v. Chlorine

vi. Sulphur

vii. Calcium
By Manisha Neupane
Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating electrons

2) p-block elements:
➢ The elements whose outermost
electron enters p-orbital
➢ Group IIIA to VIIA and zero group /
Group 13 to 18 elements are p-block
elements.
➢E.g: N (7) = 1s2 2s2 2p3
Ne (10) = 1s2 2s2 2p6
Cl (17) = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p5
Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating electrons

Characteristics of p-block elements:

1) General outermost electronic configuration is ns2 np1-6.
2) They contain metals, non-metals and metalloids.
3) They occupy 6 columns in periodic table since p-orbital can
accommodate maximum of 6 electrons.
4) They mostly form covalent compounds but halogens mostly form
ionic compounds like NaCl, KCl etc.
 Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating electrons

3) d-block elements:
➢ The elements whose outermost electron
enters d-orbital of their respective
penultimate shells.

➢ Transition elements are d-block elements.

Eg: Fe, Cu, Zn
Fe (26) = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d6
Cu (29) = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1 3d10
Zn (30) = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10
= [Ar] 4s2 3d10
Q. Write electronic configuration of:
i. Sc (21)
ii. V (23)
iii. Cr (24)
iv. Mn (25)
v. Co (27)
vi. Ni (28)
 Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating
electrons

Characteristics of d-block elements:

1) General outermost electronic configuration is (n-1)d1-10 ns1-2.
2) These are metals and have high melting and boiling point.
3) They show variable valency / variable oxidation state.(They contain
electrons in outermost shell as well as penultimate shell so they can
undergo chemical reaction by using electrons in outermost shell
and penultimate shell). For eg: Fe
Ferrous (Fe++) , Ferric (Fe+++)
Cuprous (Cu+) , Cupric (Cu++)
Characteristics of d-block elements:
4) They are colored.
5) Most of the d-block elements can be used as catalyst.
Eg: Fe, Zn
They are called transitional elements.
 Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating
electrons

4) f-block elements:
➢ The elements whose outermost electron enters f-orbital of their
respective ante-penultimate shells.

➢ They are also called inner transitional element.

Lanthanides

Actinides
 Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating electrons
Characteristics of f-block elements:
➢If a differentiating electron enters into the f-orbital of antepenultimate shell, the
element is called f-block element.
eg. 58Ce = [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2

92U = [Rn] 5f3 6d1 7s2.

➢These are metals and have high melting and boiling point.

➢The 14 elements of the first series from Ce(Z = 58) to Lu(Z = 71) are called
lanthanides. They are also called rare earth metals.

➢The 14 elements of the series from Th(Z = 90) to Lr (Z = 103) are called actinides.
(generally radioactive)
 Classification of elements on the basis of differentiating
electrons
Questions:
1. Write short notes on characteristics of s, p ,d and f-block elements.
2. Define transitional elements.
3. Define inner- transitional elements.

By Manisha Neupane
Subjective Questions
1. What are differentiating electrons? Describe with examples.
2. Describe the classification of elements in the modern periodic table on the basis of
differentiating electrons.
3. Describe the classification of elements in the modern periodic table on the basis of number of
incomplete shell i.e. Bohr's classification.
4. Write the advantages of the modern periodic table. (5 Marks)
5. Write the anomalies in the modern periodic table. (5 Marks)
6. Write the electronic configuration of elements A, B and C having atomic number 17, 19 and 29
and indicate their blocks in the modern periodic table..
7. What are s, p, d and f block elements respectively? Give their respective general outer
electronic configurations.
8. What are transition elements? List their important characteristics.
9. Zn is not considered a typical transition element, why?
10. Why do transition elements form colored compounds?
11. What are representative (normal) elements?
12. What is a flame test? List out the elements with flame coloration which give a flame test.
13. Why do alkali metals and alkaline earth metals (except Be & Mg) give flame tests?
Subjective Questions
14. What are Lanthanides and Actinides? Why are they called 4f and 5f series elements respectively?
15. Write the name, symbol and electronic configuration of 1st transition elements.
16. Why are 1st, 2nd and 3rd transition elements called 3d, 4d and 5d series elements respectively?
17. What are Noble gasses and Inner transition elements? Give examples.
18. Write the name of two elements present in liquid state at room temperature.
19. Write the name of eleven elements present in gaseous state at room temperature.
20. Write the name of metals with the highest melting point and the lowest melting point
respectively.
21. Write the name of nonmetals with the highest melting point and the lowest melting point
respectively.
22. Write the name of metals with the highest boiling point and the lowest boiling point respectively.
23. Write the name of the nonmetal with the lowest boiling point.
24. Write the name of metals having the highest density and the lowest density respectively.
25. Write the name of nonmetals having the highest and the lowest density respectively.
26. What are the ultimate shell, penultimate shell and antepenultimate shell?
27. What are magic numbers in the modern periodic table?
MCQs
1. Which of the following pairs has both members from the same period of the periodic table?
(a) Mg-Ba (b) Mg-Na (c) Mg-Cu (d) Mg-Cl
2. Which of the following has both members form the same period of the periodic table?
(a) Na-Ca (b) Na-Cl (c) Ca-Cl (d) Cl-Br
3. Which of the following pairs has elements containing the same number of electrons in the outermost orbit?
(a) N-O (b) Na-Cl (c) Ca-Cl (d) Cl-Br
4. The elements on the right side of the periodic table are
(a) Metals (b) Metalloids
(c) Nonmetals (d) transition elements
5. Which pair of elements has similar properties?
(a) 13, 31 (b) 11, 20 (c) 12, 10(d) 21, 33
6. In the long form of the periodic table, all the non-metals are placed under
(a) s-block (b) p-block (c) d-block (d) f-block
7. Which of the following is metalloid?
(a) tin (b) germanium (c) silicon (d) carbon
[Hint: B, Ge, Si, Sb, As, Te, Po are the seven most widely recognized metalloids]
8. Elements which generally exhibit multiple oxidation states (variable valency) and whose ions are usually
coloured are
(a) metalloids (b) transition elements
(c) nonmetals (d) s-block elements
9. Transition metals are often paramagnetic owing to
(a) their high m. p. and b. P. (b) the presence of vacant orbitals
(b) the presence of one or more unpaired electrons in the system
(c) their being less electropositive than the elements of groups 1 and 2
10. Which of the following ions is paramagnetic?
(a) Zn2+ (b) Ni2+ (c) Cu+ (d) N3-
11. Which of the following shows the highest magnetic moment?
(a) N3+ (b) Cr3+ (c) Fe3+ (d) Co3+
12. The electronic configuration of the element which is just above the element with atomic number 43 in the
same periodic group is
(a) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d5 4s2 (b) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p5
(c) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d6 4s1 (d) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s1 4p6
13. The electronic configuration of an element is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3. What is the atomic number of the element
which is just below the above element in the periodic table?
(a) 49 (b) 31 (c) 34 (d) 33
14. An element of atomic weight 40 has 2, 8, 8, 2 as the electronic configuration. Which one of the following
statements regarding this element is not correct?
(a) It belong to group 2 of the periodic table
(b) It has 20 neutrons
(c) The formula of this oxide is MO2
(d) It belongs to 4th period of the periodic table
15. The elements having electronic configuration [Kr]4d10f14,5s2p6d2,6s2 belongs to
(a) s-block (b) p-block (c) d-block (d) f-block
16. Which of the following represents the electronic configuration of d-block elements?
(a) (n-1)s2nd1-10 (b) (n-1)d1-10ns2
(c) (n-1)d1-10ns2p4 (d) (n-1)p4ns2
17. Which of the following electron configurations in the outermost shell is characteristic of alkali metals?
(a) (n-1)s2p6,ns2p1 (b) (n-1)s2.p6d10,ns1
(c) (n-1)s2p6,ns1 (d) ns2p6d1
18. If the valence shell electronic structure for an element is ns2np5, this element will belong to the group of
(a)alkali metals (b) inert metals
(c) noble gasses (d) halogens
19. Which pair of atomic numbers represents s-block elements?
(a) 7,15 (b) 6,12 (c) 9,17 (d) 3,12
20.An element with atomic number 20 will be placed in which period of the periodic table?
(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1
21. An atom with atomic number 21 belongs to the category of
(a) s-block elements (b) p-block elements
(c) d-block elements (d) f-block elements
 CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS ON THE BASIS OF INCOMPLETE SHELL
(BOHR’S CLASSIFICATION)

• Type I Noble Gases (COMPLETELY FILLED SHELL)

• Type II Normal or Representative Elements (1 INCOMPLETE SHELL)

• Type III Transition Elements (2 INCOMPLETE SHELL)

• Type IV Inner Transition Elements (3 INCOMPLETE SHELL)

Metals, Non-metals and Metalloids
 Metals, Non-metals and Metalloids

Metals:
➢ They are electropositive. They have greater tendency to lose
electrons and form positive charge.
➢They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
➢They are malleable and ductile.
➢ They are mostly solid at room temperature. (except Hg)
➢Eg: Na, K, Ca

By Manisha Neupane
 Metals, Non-metals and Metalloids

Non- metals:
➢They are bad conductors of heat and electricity.
➢They are brittle in nature.
➢ They are mostly gases at room temperature.
➢Eg: C, N , Cl, O
 Metals, Non-metals and Metalloids

Metalloids:
➢ The elements which show properties of both metals and non-metals
are called metalloids.
➢Silicon is a typical metalloid. It has luster like a metal, but is brittle like
a non-metal.
➢Eg: B, Si, Ge, As
Nuclear Charge and Effective Nuclear Charge

By Manisha Neupane
What is the nuclear charge in the periodic table?
• The nuclear charge (Z) is defined as the total charge in the nucleus
due to the presence of positive charge protons.
• It is the attractive force of nucleus to attract electrons.
 Nuclear Charge
• The total number positive charges contained by all protons present inside the
nucleus of an atom of the element is called nuclear charge.
• For example, Oxygen atom has eight proton in its nucleus, hence oxygen has +8
nuclear charge in its atom.
• Nuclear charge is the major reason for the attraction between nucleus and
electrons.
• Since the nuclear charge is positive, negatively charged electrons are attracted to
the nucleus due to electrostatic forces.
• The number of protons and electrons is equal in a neutral atom. In other words,
electrons neutralize the nuclear charge.
• The nuclear charge of an element is a fixed value.
 Effective Nuclear Charge
Effective Nuclear Charge is defined as” the net positive charge
experienced by valence electron in a poly electronic atom”.
Effective Nuclear Charge
Valence electron of any atom is always attracted by protons
of nucleus towards the center.
In case of multi- electron bearing atoms, not only electrons
are being attracted towards positive charge of nucleus but
also being repelled by other negatively charged electrons.
Because of this repulsive force, electron experience lesser
attraction towards center of nucleus.
This effect by which other electrons repulse valence
electron from being attracted to the nucleus and decreases
the exact nuclear charge is called Shielding effect or
Screening effect.
And hence, the exact amount of nuclear charge felt by
valence electrons after overcoming screening effect is called
effective nuclear charge.
 Shielding Effect
• In an atom with multiple electrons, there are electron-electron
repulsion forces apart from electron-nucleus attraction force.
• Due to the combined effect of these two forces acting on valence
electron, the valence electron experiences less attraction from the
nucleus.
• The decrease in nuclear attraction on valence electron due to
presence of electrons in same shell or valence shell is Shielding Effect.
• The greater the number of electrons, the higher is Shielding Effect.
• Also greater the number of shells present between the nucleus and
valence shell, the higher is Shielding Effect
• This decreases the effective nuclear charge.
• The effective nuclear charge can be calculated using the following
equation.
 Effective Nuclear Charge
The effective nuclear charge can be calculated using the following equation.
Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff) = Nuclear charge (Z) – Screening Constant (σ)

Where, Zeff is the effective nuclear charge,

Z is the atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus)
(σ) is shielding/ Screening constant.
➢Shielding electrons are the electrons located in between the nucleus and the
outer shell electrons.
➢The above equation shows the net charge obtained by deducting the
repulsion by inner shell electrons from the attraction by the nucleus.
Nuclear Charge of an element

Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff) = Nuclear charge (Z) – Screening Constant (σ)

Screening Constant (σ) can be calculated by Slater’s rule:

▪ The electron under consideration have the value for σ as 0.
▪ The other valence electrons has the value for σ as 0.35.
▪ The penultimate electrons has the value for σ as 0.85.
▪ And all electrons inner to penultimate shell has the value
for σ as 1.

Calculation Of effective Nuclear charge of valence

electron of Calcium:
Nuclear Charge (Z) = 20
Shielding constant (σ) =1 valence e- + 8 penultimate e- + 10
Note:
inner penultimate e- Shielding effect increases with the increase
= 1x 0.35 + 8x 0.85 + 10x 1= 17.15 in number of inner electrons and hence the
⸫ Effective Nuclear Charge (Zeff) = Z – σ= 20- 17.15= 2.85 valence electron experience lesser pull
towards the center.
Periodic Trends in atomic properties of
elements
(Atomic radius)