ionization

Question 1

When comparing ions of the same element, how do you tell which has higher ionization energy?

Answer 1

The one with fewer electrons has a higher ionization energy
💡 More protons per electron = stronger pull = harder to remove one

Question 2

When comparing isoelectronic ions, how do you tell which has higher ionization energy?

Answer 2

✅ The ion with more protons has the higher ionization energy
💡 Same # of electrons, but more nuclear pull = tighter hold

Question 3

Can you use “more electrons = lower IE” for neutral atoms across a period (e.g., C vs O)?

Answer 3

❌ No! Use the periodic trend instead:
→ Ionization energy increases across a period
(left to right = higher IE due to more protons, smaller radius)