Three elements—phosphorus (P)

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties

Problem

Three elements—phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and chlorine (Cl)—each possess a valence 3p electron. Which element’s 3p electron experiences the greatest attraction to the nucleus? (a) P, because its half-filled 3p subshell is exceptionally stable, so the electron is held most tightly.\text{P, because its half-filled }3p\text{ subshell is exceptionally stable, so the electron is held most tightly.} (b) All three experience the same attraction, because the extra proton in each atom is completely canceled by the extra 3p electron.\text{All three experience the same attraction, because the extra proton in each atom is completely canceled by the extra }3p\text{ electron.} (c) Cl, because the nucleus contains more protons while shielding by inner electrons remains about the same.\text{Cl, because the nucleus contains more protons while shielding by inner electrons remains about the same.} (d) S, because the additional proton compared with phosphorus increases nuclear charge, giving its 3p electron the strongest attraction.\text{S, because the additional proton compared with phosphorus increases nuclear charge, giving its }3p\text{ electron the strongest attraction.}

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