Rank the following elements according to their ionization energy. element ionization energy beryllium 3 potassium 1 (highest) magnesium 4 (lowest) cesium 2. None Rank the following elements according to their ionization energy. element beryllium potassium magnesium cesium ionization energy X 3 1 (highest) 4 (lowest) V 2 V ?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct ranking of elements according to their ionization energy is as follows:
- Beryllium (highest ionization energy)
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Cesium (lowest ionization energy)
Explanation (300 Words):
Ionization energy refers to the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state. The value of ionization energy is influenced by several factors, including the number of protons in the nucleus (nuclear charge), the distance of the outermost electrons from the nucleus, and the electron shielding effect.
- Beryllium (Highest Ionization Energy)
Beryllium, a Group 2 element, is a smaller atom with electrons in the 2nd energy level. Its electrons experience strong attraction to the nucleus due to minimal shielding. Therefore, it has a high ionization energy. - Magnesium
Magnesium is also a Group 2 element, but it is in the 3rd period. Its valence electrons are farther from the nucleus and experience more shielding than those in beryllium, resulting in lower ionization energy. - Potassium
Potassium, a Group 1 element, has its valence electron in the 4th energy level. The outermost electron is farther from the nucleus and experiences significant shielding from inner electrons, which makes it easier to remove compared to beryllium or magnesium. - Cesium (Lowest Ionization Energy)
Cesium, also a Group 1 element, has its valence electron in the 6th energy level. The electron is very far from the nucleus and experiences significant shielding, making it even easier to remove than potassium’s outer electron.
In general, ionization energy increases across a period (left to right) due to increasing nuclear charge and decreases down a group due to increased distance and shielding. Thus, the trend matches the order of Be > Mg > K > Cs for ionization energy.