Explain the trend in the first ionisation energies of the group 1 elements

The general trend is a decrease in first ionisation energy, which is because as you descend the group the number of energy levels surrounding the positively charged nucleus increases. This means that the outermost electrons are held further away from the positive nucleus, and experience more shielding from the inner shells. This therefore means that the electrostatic attraction between the positive nucleus and negative outermost electron is weakened, so less energy is required for this attraction to be overcome and the electron to be liberated.

CB

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Alcohols can be converted into alkenes in an elimination reaction. The elimination of H2O from pentan-2-ol forms a mixture of organic products. Give the names and structures of all the organic products in the mixture.


Explain the trend in first ionisation energy along period 3


What is a redox reaction?


The equation for the reaction between ammonia and oxygen is shown. 4NH3(g) + 5O2(g) ⇌ 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g) . Calculate the entropy change of the reaction, using data from the table below.