explain why there is a decrease in first ionisation energy between elements phosphorus and sulfur

The electrons are packed in singly occupied orbitals in the 3p subshell in phosphorus, however in sulfur, the 4th electron is placed into an orbital that already has an electron. Because electrons are negatively charged, they repel. This means it is easier to remove an electron and hence the first ionisation energy in sulfur is less than that in phosphorus

SS

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do buffer solutions work and how do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution?


The Haber process is used to produce ammonia. (Insert equation here) Explain the optimum conditions for this reaction and why these may differ from the conditions used in industry.


For the following reaction, you obtained 7.2 g of sodium sulfate, starting from 10 g of sulfuric acid. Sodium hydroxide is in excess. What is the % yield? H2SO4 + 2NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2H2O


Explain how a buffer solution controls pH