Final answer:
The 1s orbital provides the most effective screening of electrons from the attractive force of the nucleus due to its proximity to the nucleus and higher electron density. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which of the following orbitals generally provides the most effective screening of electrons from the attractive force of the nucleus. The answer is the 1s orbital. According to the shielding and penetration power of electrons in different orbitals, the 1s electrons are closest to the nucleus and have the greatest electron density near the nucleus, meaning they provide the most screening.
This is due to their spherical shape, as well as the absence of nodes in the 1s orbital, which allows the 1s electrons to be closer to the nucleus compared to electrons in other orbitals. The 2s and 2p orbitals, while also close to the nucleus, have lesser shielding effects due to their increased principal quantum number and presence of nodes.
3d orbitals have even less screening effect because they are further removed from the nucleus, and their shape allows for less electron density near the nucleus. In summary, the 1s orbital provides the most effective screening due to its proximity to the nucleus and spherical electron distribution.