Why does ionisation energy increase across a period?

As you go across the period, the nuclear charge (or number of protons increase) but the shielding (or the number of shells) stays the same as all of the elements are on the same period. This causes the nuclear attraction between the nucleus (that is positive) and outermost electron (that is negative) to increase, so the distance between them, also called the atomic radius, decreases.This attraction makes it harder to lose that electron and so the energy to remove it (the ionisation energy) increases as you go across the period

AP
Answered by Anjali P. Chemistry tutor

2204 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Compare the structures of Diamond and Graphite, making references to the bonding, the shape of the structures, and location of the electrons within the structures. Account for the fact that graphite conducts electricity and diamond does not.


What is the pH of 0.10 mol.dm^(-3) sodium hydroxide solution, NaOH?


give a possible reaction mechanism for the conversion of a haloalkane to alcohol


Describe a two step reaction route that can convert 1-Butene (CH2CHCH2CH3) into a compound that is more soluble in water. Use mechanisms to aid your answer (HINT: one of the steps involves nucleophilic substitution)


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