Why is the first ionisation energy of barium larger than the first ionsiation energy of caesium?

Barium has one more proton than caesium. The outer electrons of both elements are in the same shell so they feel the same shielding effect. However, as barium has one more proton, barium's outer electrons will experience a greater nuclear attraction. Therefore, more energy will be required to remove an electron from barium than caesium, resulting in a larger first ionisation energy.

JL
Answered by Jeremy L. Chemistry tutor

6016 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

A buffer solution is made with a pH of 5.000. Solid sodium ethanoate, CH3COONa, is added to 400 cm^3 of 0.200 mol dm^–3 ethanoic acid (Ka = 1.75 × 10^–5 mol dm^–3). Calculate the mass of sodium acetate that must be dissolved in the acid to prepare this


0.28 g of a gaseous hydrocarbon was turned in excess oxygen. 0.88 g of carbon dioxide and 0.36 g of water were formed. The volume of 0.28 g of the hydrocarbon at 1.01 x10^5 Pa and 298 k is 123 cm^3. Work out the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon.


What is the oxidation number of Mn in K2MnO4?


How does the mechanism for electrophilic addition work?


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