What is the difference between the ionization energy of inner-shell electrons and the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons?
A. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons changes with respect to the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
B. They are equal to each other.
C. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is greater than the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
D. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is less than the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
The answer is C
The inner-shell electrons are bound more tightly to the nucleus - the effective nuclear charge acting on them is higher (due to the lower distance and shielding effect) - than the outer shell electrons. Hence, more energy is needed to remove them.
To determine the difference between the ionization energy of inner-shell electrons and the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons, we first need to understand what ionization energy is.
Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in its gaseous state. The ionization energy of an atom depends on various factors, including the number of protons in its nucleus, the distance between the nucleus and the electron being removed, and the shielding effect of inner electrons.
Now, let's compare the ionization energy of inner-shell electrons and outer-shell electrons:
A. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons changes with respect to the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
This statement is incorrect. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is generally much higher and remains relatively constant, while the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons is typically lower and increases as you move further away from the nucleus.
B. They are equal to each other.
This statement is incorrect. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons and outer-shell electrons are not equal. Inner-shell electrons are more strongly attracted to the nucleus, making them harder to remove compared to outer-shell electrons.
C. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is greater than the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
This statement is generally true. Inner-shell electrons are closer to the nucleus and experience a stronger electrostatic attraction, so they require more energy to be removed compared to outer-shell electrons.
D. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is less than the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
This statement is incorrect. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is higher, not lower, than the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. The ionization energy of inner-shell electrons is greater than the ionization energy of outer-shell electrons.