5 Facts On Chromium Ionization Energy & Electronegativity

Chromium is a transition metal from the first transition series in the periodic table. Let us analyze the electronegativity and ionization energy properties of chromium in detail.

  • The first ionization energy of chromium is 652.87 kJ/mole, which is required to remove the electron from 4s orbital.
  • After the removal of the first electron, the electronic configuration becomes [Ar]3d5.
  • The second ionization energy of chromium is 1590.69 kJ/mole, which is required to remove the electron from 3d orbital.
  • After the removal of the second electron, the electronic configuration becomes [Ar]3d4.
  • The third ionization energy of chromium is 2987.1 kJ/mole, which is required to remove the electron from 3d orbital.
  • After the removal of the third electron, the electronic configuration becomes [Ar]3d3.
  • The electronegativity value of chromium is 1.66 in Pauling scale.

We will see some more information on the electronegativity and ionization energy of chromium as we move down.

Chromium ionization energy graph

The ionization energy graph of chromium is drawn by taking the ionization number on the x-axis and ionization energy in kJ/mole unit on the y-axis.

Cr IE
Chromium ionization energy graph

Chromium electronegativity

  • The electronegativity value of chromium is 1.66 in Pauling scale, which is not very high as it is a transition metal.
  • Though the elements of d-block are less electropositive than elements of s-block still their electronegativity values are fairly low.
  • Electronegativity decreases with an increase in electropositive character.

Chromium and manganese electronegativity

Both chromium and manganese belong to the same period but different groups. Chromium is from group 6 and manganese is from group 7. Their electronegativity values are compared below.

Electronegativity of ChromiumElectronegativity of ManganeseExplanation
1.66 in Pauling scale1.55 in Pauling scaleThe electronegativity value of chromium is slightly higher than manganese as the metallic radius of chromium is slightly lower than manganese. Electronegativity is inversely proportional to size.
Chromium and manganese electronegativity

Conclusion

In conclusion, the element has a total of four naturally occurring isotopes – 50Cr, 52Cr, 53Cr, and 54Cr of which 52Cr is the most abundant. Chromium has applications in hardening steel, producing several alloys, electroplating, etc. Chromium(III) oxide having the chemical formula  Cr2O3 is used in stained glass and as a chemical industry catalyst.