Question

Choose the element with the higher first ionization energy from each pair.

a) P or I
b) Si or CI
c) P or Sb
d) Ga or Ge

Answer 1

In each pair, the element with the higher first ionization energy is Iodine, Chlorine, Antimony, and Germanium respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first ionization energy refers to the energy required to remove one electron from an atom in its gaseous state. It is usually easier to remove an electron from an atom with a larger atomic radius and a lower nuclear charge. Based on these principles, we can determine which element has the higher first ionization energy in each pair:

a) P or I: Iodine (I) has a larger atomic radius and a lower nuclear charge than Phosphorus (P), so it will require less energy to remove an electron. Therefore, Iodine has the higher first ionization energy.

b) Si or Cl: Chlorine (Cl) has a larger atomic radius and a lower nuclear charge than Silicon (Si), so it will require less energy to remove an electron. Therefore, Chlorine has the higher first ionization energy.

c) P or Sb: Antimony (Sb) has a larger atomic radius and a lower nuclear charge than Phosphorus (P), so it will require less energy to remove an electron. Therefore, Antimony has the higher first ionization energy.

d) Ga or Ge: Germanium (Ge) has a larger atomic radius and a lower nuclear charge than Gallium (Ga), so it will require less energy to remove an electron. Therefore, Germanium has the higher first ionization energy.