Explain why sulfur deviates from the general trend in ionisation energies across period 3.

Sulfur has the electronic structure [Ne]3s2 3p4. This means there are 2 electrons in the same p orbital. These repel each other making it easier to remove the electron causing the ionisation energy to be lower than expected.

AM
Answered by Angus M. Chemistry tutor

14372 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate pH of 0.1M NaOH


State the reagents and conditions for the formation of an aldehyde, starting from a primary-alcohol.


What is periodicity?


Explain the trend in Ionisation energy when moving across a period and down a group


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