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Q.Define IE1 and IE2. Why is IE2 > IE1 for a given atom? Discuss the factors that effect IE of an element.

Telangana TsbieTelangana Board of Intermediate Education (Intermediate 1st Year) 2023Subjective· 8mImportance★★★★★
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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:

  1. 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).

  2. 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).

  3. 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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