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

12815 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do you increase the rate of a reaction?


How many Protons, Neutrons and Electrons are there in an atom of Silicon, Si?


In a titration, 45.0 cm^(3) of 0.100 mol dm^(-3) sodium hydroxide solution is exactly neutralised by 40.0 cm^(3) of a dilute hydrochloric acid solution. Calculate the concentration of the hydrochloric acid solution in mol dm^(-3).


Describe what happens to sodium and chlorine in a reaction to make Sodium cholride, you may use diagrams to help you.


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