Which of the following is closest to the first ionization energy of a xenon (Xe) atom?

• A. 890 kJ/mol
• B. 2080 kJ/mol
• C. 1313 kJ/mol
• D. 1170 kJ/mol

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the first ionization energy is the energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms, forming cations.
2. Recall that ionization energy generally increases across a period (left to right) in the periodic table and decreases down a group (top to bottom). Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas located in period 5, group 18.
3. Recognize that noble gases have relatively high ionization energies due to their full valence electron shells, making them stable and less likely to lose electrons.
4. Compare the given options to typical ionization energies of noble gases in period 5; the value should be higher than elements in groups before xenon but less than heavier noble gases like radon.
5. Conclude that the ionization energy closest to xenon's first ionization energy is the value near 1313 kJ/mol, based on known periodic trends and typical ionization energy data.