Learning objective
Define first ionisation energy.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
At a glance
5
Flashcards
7
Questions
Topic
Atomic structure
Subtopic
Electron configuration and ionisation energy
Study support
Understand this objective
Short explanation
In the subtopic Electron configuration and ionisation energy, this AQA A-Level Chemistry 7405 learning objective focuses on define first ionisation energy. It belongs to Atomic structure, so revision should stay anchored to this exact subtopic rather than drifting into a generic GCSE-level chemistry summary. Approved keywords to use include ionisation energy. Ionisation energy trend. means the general pattern observed in ionisation energies across periods and groups in the periodic table, typically increasing across a period and decreasing down a group Avoid the mistake of students often confuse first ionisation energy with other forms of energy, such as total energy or binding energy; instead, first ionisation energy is defined as the energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms to form one mole of gaseous ions. To clarify, remember the formula: Ionisation Energy = Energy required to remove an electron from an atom. For example, for a sodium atom (Na), the first ionisation energy can be expressed as Na(g) → Na⁺(g) + e⁻. This shows that energy is needed to remove the electron, which is the essence of ionisation energy For exam answers, define first ionisation energy as the energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms to form one mole of gaseous ions
Key concepts
Why it matters
This objective helps connect Electron configuration and ionisation energy to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Atomic structure.
Common mistakes
1 linked- Confusing Ionisation Energy Definition: First ionisation energy is defined as the energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms to form one mole of gaseous ions. To clarify, remember the formula: Ionisation Energy = Energy required to remove an electron from an atom. For example, for a sodium atom (Na), the first ionisation energy can be expressed as Na(g) → Na⁺(g) + e⁻. This shows that energy is needed to remove the electron, which is the essence of ionisation energy.
Revision tools
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Flashcards5 linked cards
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Practice Questions7 linked questions
Question 1 of 7
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Revision notestopic notes
Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.
Open revision notesRelated learning objectives
- Explain that scientific understanding of atomic structure has developed over time.
Fundamental particles
- State the relative charge and relative mass of protons, neutrons and electrons.
Fundamental particles
- Describe an atom as a nucleus containing protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons.
Fundamental particles
- Use particle properties to compare atoms, ions and isotopes.
Fundamental particles
- Determine the numbers of protons, neutrons and electrons in atoms and ions from mass number, atomic number and charge.
Mass number, isotopes and mass spectrometry
