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.

Answered by Hollie S. Chemistry tutor

2565 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

why increasing the temperature will increase the rate of reaction


Name the reagent and explain the process of 1-bromoethane into propanoic acid


Liquid ammonia (NH3) and water (H2O) both show hydrogen bonding, describe what a hydrogen bond is and what it is conferred by


What is the definition of 'first ionisation energy'?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy