Electrons of which subshell do not partcipate in bonding due to inert pair effect?

Options

A. `6s`
B. `6p`
C. `5d`
D. `4f`

Answer

To solve the question regarding which subshell's electrons do not participate in bonding due to the inert pair effect, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Inert Pair Effect
The inert pair effect refers to the tendency of the s-electrons in the outermost shell of heavier elements to remain non-bonding. This reluctance to participate in bonding is primarily observed in the p-block elements of the periodic table.

**Hint:** The inert pair effect is associated with the reluctance of s electrons to bond, especially in heavier elements.

### Step 2: Identify the Relevant Subshells
The question provides several subshells: 6s, 6p, 5d, and 4f. We need to determine which of these subshells is likely to exhibit the inert pair effect.

**Hint:** Focus on the subshells that contain s electrons, as they are the ones that can exhibit the inert pair effect.

### Step 3: Analyze the Subshells
- **6s:** This subshell contains s electrons that are closest to the nucleus and are thus more likely to experience the inert pair effect.
- **6p, 5d, and 4f:** These subshells contain p, d, and f electrons, which do not exhibit the inert pair effect in the same way as s electrons.

**Hint:** Consider the position of the subshells in the periodic table and their proximity to the nucleus.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Since the 6s subshell is the one that contains s electrons and is located in the sixth period, it is the subshell whose electrons do not participate in bonding due to the inert pair effect.

**Final Answer:** The electrons of the 6s subshell do not participate in bonding due to the inert pair effect.