Question

Of these elements, which has the greatest first ionization energy? Why? Ce, C, Cl, Ca, Cs.

Answer 1

Quite possibly chlorine.

Explanation:

Ionization energy is the energy associated with the reaction:

`"Element(g) "rarr " (Element")^+(g) + e^-`

Ionization energy increases across a Period (from left to right), and decreases down a Group. Why does this trend make sense intuitively?

As physical scientists we should always consider the data. See this [link.](http://www.sciencegeek.net/tables/IonizationNRG.pdf)

Note that we consider atomic (NOT molecular) properties.