Question

Which element in each pair has a greater first ionization energy?
a)lithium, boron
b)magnesium, strontium
c)cesium, aluminum

Answer 1

Best Answer

donteatflowers answered 8 years ago

a) Boron, because it has more valence electrons than, and to achieve a stable noble gas structure it is less willing than Lithium to give up an electron. (Lithium just has to give up one, and it is very willing to!)

b) Magnesium, because it has less electron shells than Strontium, so the valence electrons are nearer to the nucleus than those in Strontium. Thus, they are more strongly attracted to the nucleus, and the first electron is more difficult to remove. Shielding also occurs in Strontium, further decreasing the attraction between nucleus and valence electrons.

c) Aluminium. The reason is a combination of the above 2 explanations, since Al has less electron shells AND also has more valence electrons.

d) Sodium, for the same reason in b).

e) Neon, for the same reason in b) and d).

Answer 2

thanks @fgsadfdsaf for helping and giving credit to @donteatflowers

Answer 3

what....?

Answer 4

what was the point of that