Three methods for explaining the decrease in first ionization energies between group V and group VI elements are described and commented upon. The quantum mechanical origin of the unhelpful concept of half-shell stability is explained in terms of exchange energy, for which the alternative term parallel spin avoidance factor is suggested. It is recommended that for pre-university students the simplest explanation, in terms of Coulombic repulsion between two electrons occupying the same orbital, is adopted: it involves fewer difficult concepts than the other explanations and its predictions are no less accurate.
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Citation
Cann, Peter. J. Chem. Educ.2000 77 1056.
Keywords
Atomic Properties / Structure; Periodicity / Periodic Table; Quantum Chemistry; Introductory / High School Chemistry; Theoretical Chemistry
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