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

13118 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Ethanol, CH3CH2OH, can be converted into a carboxylic acid with two carbon atom. Name the carboxylic acid formed from ethanol and draw its structure. Show all bonds between atoms.


Butane, C4H10 is burned completely in excess oxygen, write the balanced chemical formula for the reaction, name the products and type of reaction.


Describe the bonding in a water molecule.


Explain, in terms of its structure, why graphite is able to be used as a lubricant


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning