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Solved: Define ionization energy. Ionization energy
Chapter 8, Problem 49P(choose chapter or problem)
Define ionization energy. Ionization energy measurements are usually made when atoms are in the gaseous state. Why? Why is the second ionization energy always greater than the first ionization energy for any element?
Questions & Answers
QUESTION:
Define ionization energy. Ionization energy measurements are usually made when atoms are in the gaseous state. Why? Why is the second ionization energy always greater than the first ionization energy for any element?
ANSWER:Step 1 of 3
Effective nuclear charge
For a hydrogen atom with only one electron, the only force in the atom is the attraction between the nucleus and the electron. The electrons that fill the inner orbitals in a multi-electron system shield the outer electrons from the nucleus.
Therefore, each electron will experience a force of repulsion from other electrons along with nuclear attraction. This reduces the nuclear charge experienced by the electron.
The shielding effect of the inner electrons depends on its orbital and is highest for s-electrons due to the spherical symmetry of the orbital.
Total nuclear charge refers to the full charge of the protons in the nucleus of an atom. Therefore, the nuclear charge experienced by outer electrons will be less than the total nuclear charge and is called effective nuclear charge.