Explain the trend in general of ionization potential of elements :
(a) on moving from left to right across a period
(b) on moving down a group.
Give reasons for the change in the periodic trend in each case.

Question

Explain the trend in general of ionization potential of elements :
(a) on moving from left to right across a period
(b) on moving down a group.
Give reasons for the change in the periodic trend in each case.

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Answer

Ionization Potential Trends:

(a) Across a Period (Left to Right): Increases

  • Due to decreasing atomic size and increasing nuclear charge, outer electrons are more strongly held, requiring more energy to remove them.

(b) Down a Group: Decreases

  • Although nuclear charge increases, the larger atomic size dominates, making it easier to remove an electron.

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