What periodic trends exist for ionization energy? How does this trend relate to different energy levels?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The ionization energy generally increases leftwise and upward across the periodic table. This trend is due to increased effective nuclear charge across a period and decreased shielding effect down a group, which relate to different energy levels.

Step by step solution

01

Define Ionization Energy

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion. This energy is typically measured in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol).
02

Describe Periodic Trend for Ionization Energy

In the Periodic Table of Elements, ionization energy generally increases moving left to right across a period, and decreases moving down a group. The increased ionization energy across a period is due to increasing nuclear charge, while the decreased ionization energy down a group is due to increased atomic size and shielding effect of inner electrons.
03

Relate this Trend to Different Energy Levels

Different energy levels have varying amounts of shielding, leading to different degrees of attraction between the nucleus and electrons. There are also different effective nuclear charges at these energy levels because the atomic radius increases as one moves down the periodic table. Therefore, the inner energy levels have lower ionization energies because the nuclear charge experienced by the electrons is less due to the increased distance and greater shielding provided by the inner core electrons.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free