How many distinct ionization energy values are required to remove all electrons from a neutral aluminum (Al) atom?

• A. 3
• B. 1
• C. 7
• D. 13

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the ionization energy is the energy required to remove one electron from an atom or ion in the gas phase.
2. Understand that to remove all electrons from a neutral atom, you must remove each electron one at a time, each requiring its own ionization energy value.
3. Determine the total number of electrons in a neutral aluminum (Al) atom by looking at its atomic number, which is 13, meaning it has 13 electrons.
4. Recognize that since each electron removal corresponds to one ionization energy, the number of distinct ionization energies needed equals the total number of electrons.
5. Conclude that the number of ionization energy values required to remove all electrons from a neutral aluminum atom is 13.