Explain why the first ionisation energy of Strontium is less than the first ionisation energy of Calcium

Both of these elements are part of the 2nd group of elements on the periodic table. ie in first ionisation, their electron configuration changes from nS2 -> nS1.

Strontium is a much larger element, so the outermost electron will be further away from the nucleus (larger atomic radius. This distance decreases the attration of the electron to the nucleus, decreasing the first ionisation energy.

Because Strontium's outermost electron is in 5s rather than 4s (in Calcium): it experiences more electron repulsion which decreases ionisation energy by reducing the electron's ability to get close to the nucleus.

These two factors (atomic radius and electron shielding) decrease the effective nuclear charge experienced by the outermost electron in Strontium, causing the first ionisation energy to be lower than that of Calcium.

Answered by Olivia H. Chemistry tutor

7728 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe how you could form ethyl ethanoate using only ethanol as the starting material. Include all relevant reagents and conditions.


Explain why the first ionisation energy of sulphur is lower than that of phosphorus.


State and explain the trend in boiling points of chlorine, bromine, and iodine


What factors affect acidity in solution?


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