Successive Ionisation energies

Question 1

What should we look out for in data/ graphs with successive ionisation energies? What do these show?

Answer 1

• Look out for large increases in IE.
• This shows you have moved into another electron shell (as electron is closer to nucleus - causing ionisation energy to increase.)

Question 2

If you are given a graph with successive ionisation energies, how can you determine what element is shown?

Answer 2

• Read off greatest number of electrons remved on x axis of graph.

Question 3

On a graph with successive ionisation energies, where are the first electrons being removed from?

Answer 3

• Removed from outer shell (furthest away from the nucleus.)
• (ie. at the bottom of the graph - bottom left.)

Question 4

Why are there big jumps in ionisation energies on graph with successive ionisation energies?

Answer 4

• Each jump shows you entering a shell closer to the nucleus.
• Shells getting closer to nucleus –> electron more attracted to nucleus so HIGHER ionisation energy.