Which shell has the strongest electron binding energy?

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Multiple Choice

Which shell has the strongest electron binding energy?

Electron binding energy reflects how tightly an electron is held by the nucleus. The closer an electron is to the nucleus, the stronger the Coulomb attraction and the higher the energy required to remove it. The shell closest to the nucleus—the K shell—has the greatest binding energy. Outer shells (L, M, N) are farther away and more shielded by inner electrons, so their binding energies are lower. This ordering explains why the K shell holds electrons most tightly, while the others hold them less tightly.

Electron binding energy reflects how tightly an electron is held by the nucleus. The closer an electron is to the nucleus, the stronger the Coulomb attraction and the higher the energy required to remove it. The shell closest to the nucleus—the K shell—has the greatest binding energy. Outer shells (L, M, N) are farther away and more shielded by inner electrons, so their binding energies are lower. This ordering explains why the K shell holds electrons most tightly, while the others hold them less tightly.

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