Enter the atomic number and the number of electrons in the shell into the calculator to determine the shielding constant for an atom.
Shielding Constant Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the shielding constant (σ):
σ = Z - 0.35 * E
Variables:
- σ is the shielding constant
- Z is the atomic number of the element
- E is the number of electrons in the shell
To calculate the shielding constant, subtract 0.35 times the number of electrons in the shell from the atomic number of the element.
What is a Shielding Constant?
The shielding constant, often represented by the symbol σ, is a value that quantifies the reduction in effective nuclear charge on an electron caused by electron-electron repulsion. It reflects the extent to which inner shell electrons shield outer shell electrons from the attractive force of the nucleus. The concept of the shielding constant is important in quantum chemistry and atomic physics, as it influences the energy levels of electrons and the chemical properties of elements.
How to Calculate Shielding Constant?
The following steps outline how to calculate the shielding constant.
- First, determine the atomic number (Z) of the element.
- Next, determine the number of electrons in the shell (E).
- Use the formula σ = Z – 0.35 * E to calculate the shielding constant (σ).
- Finally, enter the values into the calculator above to verify the result.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Atomic number (Z) = 26 (Iron)
Number of electrons in the shell (E) = 2 (2s electrons)
