How does ionization energy change?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 5, 2016

Ionization energies increase across a Period; they decrease down a Group.

Explanation:

Across the Period, from left to right, we add electrons to the same valence shell but sequentially increase #Z#, the atomic number. The result? Nuclear charge wins and atomic radii decrease markedly, and ionization energies increase.

Down a Group, the valence electrons are further removed from the nucleus, and inner electronic shells effectively shield the nuclear charge. The result? Ionization energies decrease.

You should back this argument up with data to show that I am not talking complete bullocks. Here is a start.

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