Give the first three ionization equation for Br and determine the process with the least energy

• A. IE₁: Br + e^- → Br^-
  IE₂: Br⁺ + e^- → Br^2-
  IE₃: Br²⁺ + e^- → Br^3-
  The first ionization energy has the least energy because a core electron is removed.
• B. IE₁: Br + e^- → Br^-
  IE₂: Br⁺ + e^- → Br^2-
  IE₃: Br²⁺ + e^- → Br^3-
  The first ionization energy has the least energy because it is the closest to the nucleus of the atom.
• C. IE₁: Br → Br^- + e^-
  IE₂: Br⁺ → Br^2- + e^-
  IE₃: Br²⁺ → Br^3- + e^-
  The third ionization energy has the least energy because a core electron is removed.
• D. IE₁: Br → Br⁺ + e^-
  IE₂: Br⁺ → Br²⁺ + e^-
  IE₃: Br²⁺ → Br³⁺ + e^-
  The first ionization energy has the least energy because it is farthest from the nuclues of the atom.

Answer: (D)