why does chemistry suggest that the formation of an ionic compound is an exothermic process but the release of an electron is an endothermic process.??

Question

anonymous · Answer

Electrons tend to exist in the lowest energy state possible.  When an ionic compound is formed, the net energy level and that energy is released (as heat, for example).  Likewise, if an electron is already in a low energy state (by default), you need to add energy to release it.