Ionization energy

[sling787]

Which has a higher ionization energy: Chromium or Molybdenum?

Based off the periodic trends, I would say that Chromium has the higher ionization energy, but when I look up the values on the internet every source keeps reporting the first ioniaztion energies as:

Cr: ~652.8 kj/mol
Mo: ~684.9 kj/mol

Does anyone know how to explain this?

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[kia ora]

if you go with periodic trends, your thinking would be correct. however, there are some irregularities with regard to ionization energy when it comes to the transition metals of the first and second series (like Cr and Mo). I wouldn't think one would be expected to know that for the mcat, but it's a whacked-out test so who knows...