Explain the change in first ionisation energy across period 2

Ionisation energy increases overall because nuclear charge increases with no significant increase in shielding, so it becomes more difficult to remove the outer electron.Ionisation energy decreases going from beryllium to boron as an electron is now being removed from a 2p orbital rather than a 2s orbital. 2p orbitals are higher in energy so it is easier to remove an electron.Ionisation energy decreases going from nitrogen to oxygen because now electrons are paired in orbitals so the electron removed from oxygen is repelled more by the other electron in its orbital so is easier to remove.

AI
Answered by Amelia I. Chemistry tutor

20212 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

What are the optimal conditions for the Haber Process N2(g) + 3H2(g) <--> 2NH3(g)? Use Le Chatelier's principle to derive your answer.


How to determine the stucture of a compound using H NMR spectroscopy


Explain the substitution reaction of a primary halogenoalkane with sodium hydroxide.


Under which conditions does CH4 have the same number of molecules as 100cm^3 of O2 at 27 degrees celsius and 1.0x10^5 Pa?


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