1)Which has a larger ionization energy, an electron in the 2p orbital of Cl or an electron in the 3p orbital of
Cl? Explain why.
2)Which element has the highest first ionization energy? B or C. Explain why.
3)Which element has the highest first ionization energy? B or Al. Explain why.
1. Wouldn't you think it would be easier to pull an electron from the outer orbital (3p) than an inner orbital (2p)?
2. 5B......1s2 2s2 2p1
...6C.......1s2 2s2 2p2
The outer electron in B and C are being pulled away against + charges of 5 in the case of B and 6 in the case of C. It will be harder to pull away from C because the + charge is higher.
Use reasoning like this to do B and Al.