Free Ionization Energy Calculator

Estimate the ionization energy of an atom using the hydrogen-like approximation IE ≈ 13.6 × Z_eff² / n² eV, from effective nuclear charge and principal quantum number.

Ionization Energy

7.31 eV

Ionization Energy706 kJ/mol

Ionization Energy vs Effective Nuclear Charge (Z_eff)

Ionization Energy Estimation

Formula

IE ≈ 13.6 × Z_eff² / n² (eV)

Where:

  • IE = first ionization energy
  • 13.6 eV = ionization energy of hydrogen (Rydberg energy)
  • Z_eff = effective nuclear charge
  • n = principal quantum number of the valence electron
  • To convert eV to kJ/mol, multiply by 96.485.

    Ionization energy increases across a period (higher Z_eff) and decreases down a group (higher n).

    Example Calculation

    Estimate IE of sodium: Z_eff ≈ 2.2, n = 3.

    1. 01IE = 13.6 × Z_eff² / n²
    2. 02IE = 13.6 × (2.2)² / (3)²
    3. 03IE = 13.6 × 4.84 / 9
    4. 04IE = 13.6 × 0.538
    5. 05IE = 7.31 eV ≈ 706 kJ/mol
    6. 06Actual Na IE = 5.14 eV (estimate is rough)

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