QuestionDecember 16, 2025

Explain why ionization energy decreases as you move down a group. Atomic radius decreases Electrons are added to the same energy level Nuclear charge decreases Outer electrons are farther from the nucleus and more shielded

Explain why ionization energy decreases as you move down a group. Atomic radius decreases Electrons are added to the same energy level Nuclear charge decreases Outer electrons are farther from the nucleus and more shielded
Explain why ionization energy decreases as you move down a group.
Atomic radius
decreases
Electrons are added to
the same energy level
Nuclear charge
decreases
Outer electrons are
farther from the
nucleus and more
shielded

Solution
4.2(156 votes)

Answer

Ionization energy decreases down a group because outer electrons are farther from the nucleus and more shielded, reducing the energy needed to remove them. Explanation 1. Analyze atomic radius and shielding As you move down a group, atomic radius increases and outer electrons are farther from the nucleus. Inner electrons increase shielding. 2. Relate to ionization energy Increased distance and shielding reduce the effective nuclear attraction on outer electrons, making them easier to remove.

Explanation

1. Analyze atomic radius and shielding<br /> As you move down a group, atomic radius increases and outer electrons are farther from the nucleus. Inner electrons increase shielding.<br />2. Relate to ionization energy<br /> Increased distance and shielding reduce the effective nuclear attraction on outer electrons, making them easier to remove.
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