Explain why sulfur deviates from the general trend in ionisation energies across period 3.

Sulfur has the electronic structure [Ne]3s2 3p4. This means there are 2 electrons in the same p orbital. These repel each other making it easier to remove the electron causing the ionisation energy to be lower than expected.

AM
Answered by Angus M. Chemistry tutor

15300 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is an enthalpy change?


Identify which 2 of the following processes involve an exothermic change: melting, boiling, freezing, deposition and sublimation


How to formulate and balance a redox equation under acidic conditions


How do you work out the oxidation number of a atom in a compound?


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