Anything that influences the valence electrons will affect the chemistry of the element. Which one of the following factors does not affect the valence shell?

Anything that influences the valence electrons will affect the chemistry of the element. Which one of the following factors does not affect the valence shell? Correct Answer Nuclear mass

The correct answer is Nuclear mass.

Key Points

• In a case, if the principal quantum number (n) is changed, this change will impact the average distance of valence electrons from the nucleus and ultimately it will affect the atomic radius, ionisation energy etc.
• If the nuclear charge (Z) is altered, there will be observed considerable change in the attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons and again, it will impact ionisation energy etc.
• Again, if the number of core electrons is modified, it will impact the nuclear charge because it shields the valence electrons.
• Here, if the nuclear mass is altered, it will not affect the valence shell because the nuclear mass has a small value that can be neglected.