In which orbital does an electron in a nitrogen atom experience the greatest shielding? In which orbital does an electron in a nitrogen atom experience the greatest shielding? 2s 2p 1s 3s 3p

Explanation: Electron shielding could be defined as the reduction or mitigation in the effective cloud due to the differences in the attractive force of the nucleus on the electrons of an atom. Electron shielding explains the protection from attractive forces afforded to the outer electrons by their inner compatriot.

In Nitrogen, there are 3 2p electrons in the 2p sub-level which are shielded by 4 inner electrons; 2 in the 1s level and 2 in the 2s level. Therefore, the electrons in the 2p sub-level enjoy the greatest shielding from the attractive force of the nucleus due to the shield afforded to the valence electrons by the 4 inner electrons.