Why Does Ionization Energy Increase Differently Between Orbital Types?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the differences in ionization energy when electrons are removed from various orbital types, specifically comparing p and s orbitals, as well as the valence shell versus inner shells. Participants explore the reasons behind the varying increases in ionization energy and question the consistency of these changes across different subshells.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes a large increase in ionization energy when removing an electron from a p orbital compared to an s orbital, questioning why successive removals from the same subshell do not show similar increases.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion of a large increase, asking for clarification on the comparison being made.
  • A participant suggests that while there is a noticeable difference in ionization energy between valence and inner shell electrons, the specific comparison between p and s orbitals may not be as significant.
  • Examples are requested to illustrate the differences in ionization energy, with one participant citing specific values for beryllium and boron.
  • Concerns are raised about the interpretation of language used in the discussion, particularly regarding the phrasing of comparisons between ionization energies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the significance of the differences in ionization energy between orbital types and the clarity of the comparisons being made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of these increases and the implications of the comparisons.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of comparisons made, particularly regarding the phrasing of increases in ionization energy. Some participants express confusion about the language used, which may affect the understanding of the underlying concepts.

i_love_science
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There is a large increase in ionization energy when an electron is removed from a p orbital versus when it is removed from a s orbital (and likewise when it is removed from the valence shell and from the inner shells). Why is there a smaller increase when successive electrons are removed from the same subshell? (shouldn't the ionization energy change by the same amount / have the same slope as the large increase?)

Thank you.
 
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i_love_science said:
There is a large increase in ionization energy when an electron is removed from a p orbital versus when it is removed from a s orbital
Is there?
 
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mjc123 said:
Is there?
Yes I think, though it isn't as noticeable as when it is removed from the valence shell versus from the inner shells (when looking at ionization energy graphs). Can you correct where my process went wrong? Thanks.
 
Can you give some examples?
 
mjc123 said:
Can you give some examples?
There is a much higher ionization energy for Be (899.5) than B (800.6) Can you correct me now if there's anything wrong? Thank you!
 
900 vs 800 is not a substantial difference, same ballpark.
 
i_love_science said:
There is a large increase in ionization energy when an electron is removed from the valence shell versus from the inner shells. Why is there a smaller increase when successive electrons are removed from the same shell? (shouldn't the ionization energy change by the same amount / have the same slope as the large increase?)

Can anyone answer my revised question now? Thanks.
 
"(shouldn't the ionization energy change by the same amount / have the same slope as the large increase?)"
No. Why should it?

"There is a large increase in ionization energy when an electron is removed from the valence shell versus from the inner shells."
This is not true. I realize English may not be your first language, but what you write seems to mean the opposite of what you intend. "There is a large increase in A versus B" implies that A is greater than B, B being the standard of comparison. You appear to mean "There is a large increase in going from A to B", i.e. B is greater than A. Better to say plainly "B is bigger than A".
 
Thank you for teaching me how to write properly. I have greatly learned from your explanations on how to consistently pose questions and not answer the question directly. I understand the question now and no longer need help.
 
  • #10
Good. We seem to have been misunderstanding each other, that's all.
 

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