Core electrons shield what from the pull of the nucleus?

A. Identical electrons
B. Valence electrons
C. Neutrons
D. Protons

I was thinking d or a.

the answer is b.

The correct answer is B. Valence electrons. Core electrons shield valence electrons from the pull of the nucleus.

To arrive at this answer, let's break down each option and see which one fits best:

A. Identical electrons: This option seems unrelated to the question as shielding is not specific to identical electrons.

B. Valence electrons: Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom and are involved in chemical bonding. Since core electrons are the inner electrons, they create a shield around the valence electrons, protecting them from the attraction of the protons in the nucleus. This shielding effect decreases the effective nuclear charge experienced by the valence electrons and affects the atom's properties.

C. Neutrons: Neutrons are neutral particles found in the nucleus and do not play a role in shielding other electrons from the pull of the nucleus.

D. Protons: Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus. Valence electrons are shielded from the pull of the nucleus specifically by the core electrons, not by the protons.

Therefore, the correct answer is B. Valence electrons, as core electrons shield them from the pull of the nucleus.