Why is the first ionisation energy of Potassium less than Sodium?

The first ionisation energy is the energy required to move one mole of electrons from one mole of atoms in its gaseous state.
The outer electron in Potassium is in the 4s orbital, which is further away from the nucleus than the 3s orbital of the Sodium. The greater distance means that the attraction between the electron is weaker.
The electron in Potassium is also more affected by shielding due to more shells, further weakening this attraction. This means that less energy is needed to remove the outermost electron and therefore the ionisation energy is lower.

Answered by Abida R. Chemistry tutor

26611 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the mechanism for the nucleophilic substitution of a halogenoalkane?


What is a buffer solution? How to make a buffer solution?


A sample of nitrogen gas is heated to 100°C, at a pressure of 10kPa and volume of 0.2m^3. How many moles of gas are present?


Explain what happens to the boiling and solubility of alcohols as their chain length increases


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences