The Energy States of Atoms Containing More Than One Electron

Multiple Choice

The energy states of atoms containing more than one electron arise from nucleus-electron and electron-electron interactions. Which of the following statements correctly describes these effects?

A) Larger nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital lowers energy.
B) Larger nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital increases energy.
C) Smaller nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital lowers energy.
D) Smaller nuclear charge lowers energy; more electrons in an orbital increases energy.
E) None of these statements is generally correct.