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Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
It increases, making elements less reactive due to stronger hold on electrons.
B
It decreases, leading to a greater ability to lose electrons and increased reactivity.
C
It remains constant, indicating no change in reactivity.
D
It varies randomly, showing no clear trend in reactivity.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
Ionization potential is the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom, and it rises steadily from left to right across a period. Because a higher ionization potential means the atom holds its electrons more tightly, it becomes harder to ionize, so the element is less likely to give up an electron and react. For example, sodium on the far left has a low ionization potential and readily loses an electron, making it very reactive, whereas chlorine on the far right has a high ionization potential and resists losing an electron, so it is less reactive in that sense. Thus, as ionization potential increases across a period, the tendency of elements to participate in reactions that involve electron loss generally decreases.
Detailed Explanation
When you move from left to right across a period, the ionization potential grows because the nucleus pulls the electrons tighter. Other options are incorrect because The idea that ionization potential goes down is a common mix‑up; Some think the ionization potential stays the same because they ignore the extra protons.
Key Concepts
Ionization Potential
Periodic Trends
Reactivity of Elements
Topic
Ionization Potential
Difficulty
hard level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
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Question 2Which of the following statements best explains the trend in ionization potential across period 2 of the periodic table, particularly focusing on the role of subshells and electron affinity?
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Question 3How does the ionization potential trend across a period influence an element's reactivity?
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Question 4When an element in the periodic table has a high ionization potential, what is the most likely underlying cause for this characteristic?
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Question 5Arrange the following steps in the correct order to describe the process of how ionization potential affects an element's reactivity: A) The element's electron configuration is established; B) The ionization potential is measured; C) The element interacts with other elements; D) The element's ability to form ions is determined.
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