What is the trend in first ionisation energy across a period?

Overall, the general trend is an increase across the period.

The decrease in shielding (as outer electrons are less influenced by the nucleus) is outweighed by an increased nuclear charge and a decreased atomic radius.

However, the value actually decreases between group 2 and 3. This is a result of the electronic configurations of these elements. The outermost electron in Be (in a 2s orbital) is less easily removed than that of B (in a 2p orbital). The same occurs from group 5 and 6.

BW
Answered by Ben W. Chemistry tutor

13277 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is an acid?


How do enzymes affect the rate of reaction?


Give the pH of an alkaline solution


85 cm^3 of 0.05 mol/dm^3 sulfuric acid is used to neutralise 15 cm^3 of sodium hydroxide of an unknown concentration. Given that the chemical formula of the reaction is 2NaOH + H2SO4 => NA2SO4 + 2H2O, find the concentration of the sodium hydroxide.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning