Question

1. which of these statements is an accurate description of the ionization energies of elements in the periodic table?

the ionization energy of lithium is greater than potassium.
the ionization energy of krypton is greater than neon.
the ionization energy of magnesium is greater than sulfur.
the ionization energy of iodine is greater than fluorine.
clear all

Explanation:

• Ionization energy trend: Ionization energy generally increases across a period (from left to right) and decreases down a group in the periodic table.
• Lithium vs potassium: Lithium (\(Li\)) and potassium (\(K\)) are in the same group (Group 1). Since \(K\) is below \(Li\) in the group, its ionization energy is less than that of \(Li\).
• Krypton vs neon: Krypton (\(Kr\)) and neon (\(Ne\)) are in the same group (Group 18). Since \(Kr\) is below \(Ne\) in the group, its ionization energy is less than that of \(Ne\).
• Magnesium vs sulfur: Magnesium (\(Mg\)) and sulfur (\(S\)) are in the same period (Period 3). \(Mg\) is to the left of \(S\). Since ionization energy increases across a period, \(Mg\) has a lower ionization energy than \(S\).
• Iodine vs fluorine: Iodine (\(I\)) and fluorine (\(F\)) are in the same group (Group 17). Since \(I\) is below \(F\) in the group, its ionization energy is less than that of \(F\).

Answer:

The ionization energy of lithium is greater than potassium.