Atomic Structure - Electron Arrangement - Arrangement and Ionisation Energy

3 important questions on Atomic Structure - Electron Arrangement - Arrangement and Ionisation Energy

Why are there big jumps in the IE graph for Sodium (Na11)

The jumps in IE shown on the graph come from the points at which the outermost electron is in a lower sub-shell: the closer to the nucleus the outermost electron is, the harder it is to remove it.

Explain the drop in IE from Be to B.

The electron being lost is in a p sub-shell, which is further away from the nucleus than the s sub-shell, meaning it requires less energy to remove, as the attraction between nucleus and electron is weaker.

Explain the drop in IE from N to O.

The electron in O is being removed from a full P orbital. The electrons in this orbital are paired and thus repel each other, meaning less energy is required to remove one of them.

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