Topic: Atomic Structure
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Reading Beyond A-Level
A-level chemistry establishes a general trend that first ionization energy increases across a period. However, the d-block elements present a more complex picture.
Moving beyond the A-level syllabus, investigate and explain the trend in the first ionization energies of the Period 4 transition metals from Scandium (Sc) to Zinc (Zn).
In your answer, you should address why the increase is much shallower than that seen in p-block elements (like Period 3) and explain the specific irregularities observed, such as the values for Chromium (Cr) and Zinc (Zn). Your explanation must incorporate the concepts of effective nuclear charge ($Z_{\text{eff}}$) and the poor shielding properties of d-electrons.
The links below are a good starting point for your research: