Question

Why does ionization energy tend to decrease from top to bottom within a group?

A) Increasing atomic radius
B) Increasing electron affinity
C) Increasing nuclear charge
D) Increasing shielding effect

Answer 1

The ionization energy tends to decrease from top to bottom within a group due to the increasing atomic radius and increasing shielding effect. Larger atoms with more electrons are easier to remove an electron from because it is farther away from the nucleus and experience less attraction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ionization energy tends to decrease from top to bottom within a group mainly because of the increasing atomic radius and increasing shielding effect.

As we move down a group, the number of energy levels (orbitals) increases, resulting in larger atoms with more electrons. The larger size of the atom makes it easier to remove an electron because it is farther away from the nucleus and experiences less attraction.