Learning objective
Explain how first and successive ionisation energies provide evidence for shells and subshells.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
At a glance
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Flashcards
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Questions
Topic
Atomic structure
Subtopic
Electron configuration and ionisation energy
Study support
Understand this objective
Quick explanation
Explain how first and successive ionisation energies provide evidence for shells and subshells
- This point belongs to Atomic structure, especially Electron configuration and ionisation energy.
- You need to be able to explain how first and successive ionisation energies provide evidence for shells and subshells.
- The key ideas to know are subshell and shell.
- Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.
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.
Quick student answer
Which of the following best explains why the second ionisation energy of sodium (Na) is much higher than its first ionisation energy?
Direct answer
c
Key terms
- Ionisation energy: The energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms or ions.
- Subshell: A group of orbitals within a shell that share the same angular momentum quantum number l and have a characteristic energy.
Common trap
Confusing ionisation energy with ionisation potential: Clarify that ionisation energy (kJ mol⁻¹) is the molar quantity, while ionisation potential (eV) is the energy per electron. Both describe the same process but are expressed in different units.
Related questions
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Flashcard prompts
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Revision tools
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Practice Questions0 linked questions
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