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Why is ionisation energy of tin less than that of lead?
Can you tell me why the ionisation energy of tin is less than that of lead?
Sure! The ionisation energy of an atom is affected by the number of protons in its nucleus and the distance of its valence electrons from the nucleus. The atomic number of tin is 50, whereas lead has an atomic number of 82. Due to the larger number of protons in the nucleus of lead, its valence electrons are held more tightly, which results in a higher ionisation energy compared to tin.