Explain why the trend in ionisation energy changes between group 5 and 6

Group 5 and 6 have a different electronic structure, with group 6 having one extra electron that group 5.

If we look at Hunds rule, which states that electrons must occupy orbitals individually before pairing up. This is crucial in the P orbitals in which there are 3. (X, Y and Z) taking oxygen and nitrogen for example nitrogen is in group 5. It has 3 electrons in its P orbitals, thus one electron is each orbital. Oxygen is in group 6, with 4 electrons in the P orbitals. The first orbital has 2 electrons and the other two have 1 electron.

We know electrons are negative so in that first orbital of oxygen they must repel. This makes it easier to remove this electron so the energy required decreases. The general trend of ionisation energies is for it to increase across a period.

Answered by Kavita R. Chemistry tutor

17337 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Analysing IR spectrum.


Calculate the PH of 32 mmol of HCl in 75cm^3 solution. Assume HCl fully dissociates.


Order the following in terms of boiling point and explain your reasoning: Ethanol, Ethane, Propane


Nitric acid (HNO3) is a strong acid. Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid. Write an equation to show how ethanoic acid behaves as a weak acid in its reaction with water.


We're here to help

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