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The expected pattern for ionization potential is

$$\ce{Cu} > \ce{Ag} > \ce{Au},$$

but the observed patter or experimental value is

$$\ce{Au} > \ce{Cu} > \ce{Ag}.$$

What could be a justification for this?

The simple way to look upon is a general increase in size which fails here. So, I suspect introduction of f-orbital in gold has to do something with it which is absent in copper and silver.

Anu Oberoi
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  • Think about and search for possible answers thoroughly before posting a question to prevent writing up redundant information.

    Include what you already know/thought about, what you found in textbook or online resources, what you have understood or not/tried/failed. Written effort attracts elaborated answers. Questions without elaboration effort are not very welcome, and may be closed.

     – Poutnik Dec 06 '20 at 07:30
  • Poor nucleus shielding by f electrons, lanthanoid contraction and relativistic 6s orbital contraction may play the role. Compare the trend in in neighbor groups. – Poutnik Dec 06 '20 at 12:21
  • @Mithoron my question talks about ag also – Anu Oberoi Dec 07 '20 at 04:55

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