Contrary to its periodic trend, why does sulfur have a lower ionization energy than phosphorus? 896 viewsNovember 30, -0001 0 Question67.96K February 20, 2020 1 Comment Contrary to its periodic trend, why does sulfur have a lower ionization energy than phosphorus? In: Chemistry Derpmaster3000 commented February 21, 2020 A half full sub shell is slightly more stable than usual. When Sulfur loses an electron, its 3p suborbital becomes half full, so it doesn’t take as much energy to bring it to that state. 0 Answers ActiveVotedNewestOldest Register or Login
A half full sub shell is slightly more stable than usual. When Sulfur loses an electron, its 3p suborbital becomes half full, so it doesn’t take as much energy to bring it to that state.