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

19323 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between SN1 and SN2 reactions, and how do you determine via which mechanism the reaction will proceed?


Explain the size of atomic radii observed in the periodic table


Sodium and sodium iodide can both conduct electricity when molten, but only sodium can conduct electricity when solid. Explain this difference in conductivity in terms of the structures of sodium and sodium iodide.


Why a sodium ion has a smaller radius than a sodium atom?


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