Explain why the first ionisation energy of phosphorous is different to that of sulfur

Sulfur has an atomic number of 16, phosphorous is 15. The first ionisation energy of a periodic row usually increases left to right. This is because number of protons increases thus increasing nuclear charge. However, all electrons in sulfur are paired, whereas phosphorous has a lone electron in the 3p orbital. Paired electrons repel and so less energy is needed to remove an electron. The force of electron repulsion is greater than the nuclear charge increase and so phosphorous has a higher first ionisation energy than sulfur.

HS

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the delocalised model of benzene, and hence why it is less reactive with electrophiles than cyclohexene


The ionic product of water, Kw = 2.93 × 10−15 mol dm−6 at 10 °C. Calculate the pH of a 0.0131 mol dm−3 solution of calcium hydroxide at 10 °C Give your answer to two decimal places.


What reaction occurs when benzene is mixed with equal amounts of sulphuric and nitric acid?


Why does ice float on water?