Question

ie decreases down a group. which element will have the smaller ie? magnesium calcium

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the trend of IE

Ionization energy (IE) decreases down a group as the out - ermost electrons are farther from the nucleus and less tightly held.

Step2: Locate Mg and Ca in the periodic table

Magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) are in the same group (Group 2). Calcium is below magnesium in the group.

Answer:

Calcium