Explain why first ionisation energy decreases down a group.

As you go down the group, ionisation energy decreases because there are more electron shells and shielding increases, therefore the outer electron is further away from the positive nucleus and is less strongly attracted to it.

IA
Answered by Ifsa A. Chemistry tutor

3852 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is nucleophile?


What is a radical?


Why does the nucleophilic addition of a cyanide ion to an aldehyde form a racemic mixture?


Does Mg or Al have the higher first ionisation energy? Explain your answer.


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