Explain why the ionisation energies tend to increase across a period

As you go across a period, the next atom will have 1 more proton in its nucleus than the one before. Therefore, the nucleus of each atom will have an increasingly positive charge, meaning a stronger nuclear attraction.

Even though you also have more electrons, all of the electrons are at roughly the same energy level and so there is generally little extra shielding effect or extra distance to lessen the attraction from the nucleus.

In summary, as you go along a period, the outer electrons are more strongly attracted to a more positive nucleus and so it takes more energy to remove it from the outer shell, hence a higher ionisation energy. 

MS
Answered by Megan S. Chemistry tutor

2364 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between an electrophile and a nucleophile?


Calculate the relative atomic mass of an atom.


When propanal is reacted with potassium cyanide under weakly acidic conditions the resulting mixture does not rotate plane polarised light. Explain this observation.


Which molecule has the highest boiling point: methane, ammonia, water or hydrogen fluoride? Explain why.


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