Analyzing the vertical group trends in the d-block, it is observed that the first ionization energie — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Analyzing the vertical group trends in the d-block, it is observed that the first ionization energies ($IE_1$) of the 5d transition series are significantly higher than those of the 3d and 4d series. What is the primary cause?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
Typically, $IE$ drops down a group. However, in the d-block, the $5d > 4d > 3d$ trend dominates because the highly diffuse $4f$ electrons are terrible shields. The resulting spike in Effective Nuclear Charge holds the outer $6s$ electrons extremely tightly.
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