Which of the following best explains how ionization energy affects the reactivity of an element?

• A. Elements with high ionization energy tend to lose electrons easily, making them more reactive as metals.
• B. Elements with low ionization energy tend to gain electrons easily, making them more reactive as nonmetals.
• C. Elements with low ionization energy tend to lose electrons easily, making them more reactive as metals.
• D. Ionization energy has no effect on the reactivity of an element.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of ionization energy: it is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion.
2. Recognize that elements with low ionization energy lose electrons more easily because less energy is needed to remove an electron.
3. Recall that metals tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions, so metals with low ionization energy are generally more reactive.
4. Note that nonmetals tend to gain electrons rather than lose them, so their reactivity is more related to electron affinity than ionization energy.
5. Conclude that the correct explanation is that elements with low ionization energy tend to lose electrons easily, making them more reactive as metals.