Textbook Question
Which statements completed with a to e will be true and which will be false? An atom of N compared to an atom of Li has a larger (greater)b. ionization energy
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9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Periodic Trend: Ionization Energy (Simplified)
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Which of the following elements would lose an electron the easiest?
A
Ar
B
Li
C
Zn
D
Br
E
B
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the position of each element in the periodic table: Argon (Ar) is a noble gas, Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal, Zinc (Zn) is a transition metal, Bromine (Br) is a halogen, and Boron (B) is a metalloid.
Recall that elements in Group 1 of the periodic table, known as alkali metals, have a single electron in their outermost shell, which they tend to lose easily to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Consider the electron configurations: Argon (Ar) has a full outer shell, making it stable and unlikely to lose electrons. Lithium (Li) has one electron in its outer shell, making it eager to lose that electron to achieve a stable configuration.
Evaluate the other elements: Zinc (Zn) has a filled d subshell, making it less likely to lose electrons compared to alkali metals. Bromine (Br) tends to gain electrons to complete its outer shell, and Boron (B) does not lose electrons as easily as alkali metals.
Conclude that Lithium (Li), being an alkali metal with one electron in its outer shell, will lose an electron the easiest among the given elements.
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