Textbook Question
Why is the ionization energy of Ca higher than K, but lower than that of Mg?
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3. Ionic Compounds
Periodic Trend: Ionization Energy (Simplified)
Multiple Choice
Which of the following elements would lose an electron the easiest?
A
Ar
B
Li
C
Zn
D
Br
E
B
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the periodic table group for each element: Ar (argon) is a noble gas, Li (lithium) is an alkali metal, Zn (zinc) is a transition metal, Br (bromine) is a halogen, and B (boron) is a metalloid.
Recall that elements in Group 1, the alkali metals, have a single electron in their outermost shell, which they lose easily to achieve a stable noble gas electron configuration.
Consider the electron configurations: Li has the configuration 1s² 2s¹, meaning it has one electron in its outermost shell, making it highly reactive and eager to lose that electron.
Compare the reactivity of the elements: Noble gases like Ar are very stable and do not lose electrons easily. Transition metals like Zn can lose electrons but not as readily as alkali metals. Halogens like Br tend to gain electrons rather than lose them. Metalloids like B have more complex behavior but do not lose electrons as easily as alkali metals.
Conclude that Li, being an alkali metal with one electron in its outer shell, will lose an electron the easiest compared to the other elements listed.
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