Q.Define IE1 and IE2. Why is IE2 > IE1 for a given atom? Discuss the factors that effect IE of an element.
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Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →IE1 removes the first electron from a neutral gaseous atom, IE2 the second from the +1 ion; IE2 > IE1 because removing an electron from a positive ion is harder. IE depends on nuclear charge, atomic size, shielding and electronic configuration.
Definitions:
- First ionisation enthalpy (IE1): the minimum energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from an isolated gaseous atom in its ground state. M(g) -> M+(g) + e-; delta H = IE1
- Second ionisation enthalpy (IE2): the energy required to remove the next electron from the resulting unipositive gaseous ion. M+(g) -> M2+(g) + e-; delta H = IE2
Why IE2 > IE1:
Once the first electron is removed, a positive ion (M+) is formed. In this ion there are more protons than electrons, so each remaining electron feels a greater effective nuclear attraction, and the ion is also smaller than the neutral atom. Hence the second electron is held more tightly and more energy is needed to remove it; therefore IE2 > IE1 (successive ionisation enthalpies always increase).
Factors that affect ionisation enthalpy:
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Nuclear charge (Z): A higher nuclear charge attracts the outer electrons more strongly, so IE increases with increasing nuclear charge (across a period, left to right).
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Atomic size (radius): The larger the atom, the farther the outermost electron and the weaker the pull of the nucleus, so IE decreases as atomic size increases (down a group).
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Shielding (screening) effect: Inner electrons screen the outer electron from the nucleus, reducing the effective nuclear charge felt by the valence electron; greater shielding lowers the IE.
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