What is the trend in first ionisation energy across a period?

Overall, the general trend is an increase across the period.

The decrease in shielding (as outer electrons are less influenced by the nucleus) is outweighed by an increased nuclear charge and a decreased atomic radius.

However, the value actually decreases between group 2 and 3. This is a result of the electronic configurations of these elements. The outermost electron in Be (in a 2s orbital) is less easily removed than that of B (in a 2p orbital). The same occurs from group 5 and 6.

BW
Answered by Ben W. Chemistry tutor

13803 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the bonding present in a piece of sodium metal.


Magnesium reacts with hydrochloric acid to form a salt. What volume of 0.2dm(-3) HCL is required to react with 4g of Magnesium? Give answer in cm(3).


Describe the structure and bonding in Graphite?


What is the relative formula mass of CaCO3?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning