Consider the electronic structure of the element bismuth.(d) Would you expect element 115 to have an ionization ene-rgy greater than, equal to, or less than that of bismuth? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the position of bismuth in the periodic table. Bismuth is element 83, located in group 15 and period 6.
2. Understand the trend of ionization energy across the periodic table. Generally, ionization energy increases across a period from left to right and decreases down a group.
3. Consider the position of element 115 (Moscovium, Mc) in the periodic table. It is also in group 15 but is in period 7, below bismuth.
4. Analyze the effect of increased atomic number and additional electron shells. Element 115 has more electron shells than bismuth, which can lead to increased shielding and a greater distance between the nucleus and the valence electrons.
5. Conclude the comparison by considering the periodic trends and the specific positions of bismuth and element 115. The increased shielding and electron distance in element 115 typically result in a lower ionization energy compared to bismuth.

Key Concepts

Ionization Energy

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state. It is a key factor in determining an element's reactivity and is influenced by the atomic size and the effective nuclear charge. Generally, ionization energy increases across a period due to increasing nuclear charge and decreases down a group due to increased distance of the outer electrons from the nucleus.

Electronic Configuration

The electronic configuration of an element describes the distribution of electrons in its atomic orbitals. For bismuth (Bi), the configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3. Understanding the electronic configuration helps predict chemical properties, including ionization energy, as it indicates how tightly electrons are held by the nucleus and how easily they can be removed.

Trends in the Periodic Table

Periodic trends refer to predictable patterns in the properties of elements as you move across or down the periodic table. For instance, ionization energy generally increases across a period and decreases down a group. Element 115, known as moscovium, is expected to have a lower ionization energy than bismuth due to its position in the periodic table, where it is further down the group, indicating a larger atomic radius and more electron shielding.