explain why there is a decrease in first ionisation energy between elements phosphorus and sulfur

The electrons are packed in singly occupied orbitals in the 3p subshell in phosphorus, however in sulfur, the 4th electron is placed into an orbital that already has an electron. Because electrons are negatively charged, they repel. This means it is easier to remove an electron and hence the first ionisation energy in sulfur is less than that in phosphorus

SS
Answered by Sagar S. Chemistry tutor

9696 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does Benzene require a catalyst to react with Bromine whereas Phenol does not?


What is Gibbs free energy? How is it useful?


Explain why Magnesium has a greater second ionisation energy than strontium


Why does AlCl3 form the dimer Al2Cl6?


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