Question

What is inert pair effect ?

Answer 1

Inert pair effect is the highly intense force of nucleus on the s orbital electrons present in atoms of sixth period from 13 grp onwards.

This can be explained as: The electrons in 6s orbitals are held tightly by the nucleus because of weaker shielding by inner f and d orbitals. Also since the orbital is s orbital,it is highly penetrating and hence held much tightly so the elctrons fail to participate in any bonding activity. So they are given the name inert pair and hence the effect is called INERT PAIR EFFECT.