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Which of these elements is

(a) the largest atom?
(b) the atom with the highest ionization energy?
(c)the most electronegative?

User Robertokl
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Final answer:

In summary, sodium (Na) is the largest atom, helium (He) has the highest ionization energy, and hydrogen (H) is the most electronegative among the elements listed. Potassium (K) has the lowest ionization energy, while cesium (Cs) has the highest energy valence electrons, and chlorine (Cl) has the lowest energy valence electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

When addressing the question about the size of the atom (atomic radius), we typically look at the number of electron shells an atom has. The more shells, the larger the atom. For instance, of the given elements (Na, Al, H, He), sodium (Na) with 11 protons and a mass number of 23 would be the largest since it has more electron shells compared to hydrogen (H) and helium (He).

The ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom. Noble gases typically have the highest ionization energies due to their stable electron configurations. Thus, helium (He), with 2 protons and 2 electrons, will have the highest ionization energy among the elements listed.

Electronegativity refers to an atom's ability to attract and bind with electrons. The most electronegative element generally is fluorine, but among the elements listed in the question, hydrogen (H) would be considered the most electronegative.

Regarding the element with the smallest ionization energy, which is an indicator of how easily an atom can lose an electron, we can infer that of the options provided (K, P, S, Ca), potassium (K) would have the smallest ionization energy because it is located in the alkali metal group, which is known for low ionization energies. Conversely, the element with the highest energy valence electrons would be cesium (Cs) as it is the lowest and furthest to the left on the periodic table (option 'c'), suggesting it has the most readily accessible valence electrons. Conversely, chlorine (Cl) has the lowest energy valence electrons because it is located towards the upper right of the periodic table (except for the noble gases), meaning it has a higher effective nuclear charge pulling its electrons closer, resulting in lower energy levels.

In the same period, chlorine (Cl) has the greatest electronegativity, and aluminum (Al), being closer to the left side of the periodic table, tends to be the smallest atom.

The various states of matter for different elements at room temperature, forces between atoms, metallic character, and the nature of bonds in compounds can all be determined by considering their period, group, and general chemical properties.

User Sawan
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