Which group of elements in the periodic table has the largest first ionization energy (Ei1), and which group has the smallest? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of first ionization energy (Ei1), which is the energy required to remove the outermost electron from a neutral atom in the gaseous state.
2. Step 2: Recall the general trend of ionization energy across the periodic table: it increases across a period from left to right and decreases down a group.
3. Step 3: Identify the group with the largest first ionization energy. Elements in Group 18 (Noble Gases) have the largest Ei1 because they have a full valence shell, making it difficult to remove an electron.
4. Step 4: Identify the group with the smallest first ionization energy. Elements in Group 1 (Alkali Metals) have the smallest Ei1 because they have a single electron in their outermost shell, which is relatively easy to remove.
5. Step 5: Consider the atomic structure and electron configuration to understand why these trends occur, focusing on the effective nuclear charge and electron shielding effects.

Key Concepts

Ionization Energy

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom in its gaseous state. It is a key indicator of how strongly an atom holds onto its electrons. Generally, higher ionization energy means that an atom is less likely to lose an electron, which is influenced by factors such as atomic size and effective nuclear charge.

Periodic Trends

Periodic trends refer to the predictable patterns observed in the properties of elements as you move across or down the periodic table. Ionization energy typically increases across a period (left to right) due to increasing nuclear charge and decreases down a group (top to bottom) because of increased atomic size and electron shielding, which makes it easier to remove an outer electron.

Group Characteristics

Different groups in the periodic table exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their ionization energies. For example, noble gases (Group 18) have the highest ionization energies due to their stable electron configurations, while alkali metals (Group 1) have the lowest ionization energies because they have a single electron in their outermost shell, which is easily removed.