Question

unit 5 comprehensive quiz l
of the following elements, which would have the greatest ionization energy?
○ magnesium (mg)
○ tellurium (te)
○ barium (ba)
○ sulfur (s)

Explanation:

Ionization energy generally increases across a period (from left to right) and decreases down a group in the periodic table. Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2, Period 3; Tellurium (Te) is in Group 16, Period 5; Barium (Ba) is in Group 2, Period 6; Sulfur (S) is in Group 16, Period 3. Since S is to the right of Mg in the same period (Period 3) and higher up (in Period 3 compared to Te in Period 5 and Ba in Period 6), it has a higher ionization energy.

Answer:

Sulfur (S)