DAT question -ionization energy

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

KristenD77

Predent
10+ Year Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2012
Messages
205
Reaction score
25
Hey so I know that ionization energy increases from left to right and decreases going down a group.
However this a question I came across

Which element will have the LOWEST ionization energy
a)Li B)Na C) Be D)K E)Rh
The answe is E

Why is it E when it's further to the right than the others?
 
nvm, thought it was rb lol
 
Last edited:
Understanding this conceptually helped me a lot in answering the periodic trend questions. I don't feel like elaborating because I already took the DAT
 
Hey so I know that ionization energy increases from left to right and decreases going down a group.
However this a question I came across

Which element will have the LOWEST ionization energy
a)Li B)Na C) Be D)K E)Rh
The answe is E

Why is it E when it's further to the right than the others?

I'm pretty sure on this.. the smaller the size of the atom then the higher the ionization energy. Its harder to pluck off an electron when the atom is smaller and the nucleus is holding the electrons closer. The larger the atom then its easier to pluck off an electron because theyre not held as tightly to the nucleus. Learning one trend and then fit it in with the others to make it easier to understand. Just dont memorize trends in a vacuum
 
I'm pretty sure on this.. the smaller the size of the atom then the higher the ionization energy. Its harder to pluck off an electron when the atom is smaller and the nucleus is holding the electrons closer. The larger the atom then its easier to pluck off an electron because theyre not held as tightly to the nucleus. Learning one trend and then fit it in with the others to make it easier to understand. Just dont memorize trends in a vacuum
Thank you
 
Last edited:
Also, remember that Be and N are happy with their exactly half full or full subshells. So, the ionization energies of B and O are actually lower than those of Be and N, respectively.
 
Last edited:
Also, remember that Be and N are happy with their exactly half full or full subshells. So, the ionization energies of B and O are actually lower than those of Be and N, respectively.
Thank you
 
Top