Ionization Energy: Across Period or Metal to Non-Metal?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of ionization energy, specifically whether it increases across a period or from metal to non-metal. Participants are exploring the implications of multiple-choice options related to this topic, which includes theoretical and conceptual aspects of ionization energy.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion between the options of ionization energy increasing across a period (option A) and from metal to non-metal (option C).
  • Another participant notes that as one moves from left to right across a period, more energy is required to remove an electron, supporting option A.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that ionization energy may not consistently increase from every metal to every non-metal, indicating potential exceptions to the trends proposed in options A and C.
  • One participant mentions that hydrogen, classified as a metal, has a higher ionization energy than some non-metals, which complicates the assertion that ionization energy always increases from metals to non-metals.
  • Additionally, it is pointed out that oxygen has a lower ionization energy than nitrogen, suggesting that there are exceptions to the general trends of ionization energy across periods and between metals and non-metals.
  • Overall, participants acknowledge that both options A and C may be correct in terms of trends, but there are notable exceptions that could affect the interpretation of the question.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether ionization energy universally increases from metals to non-metals or across periods, as they identify exceptions and express uncertainty regarding the trends.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the generalization of trends in ionization energy, as participants highlight exceptions and the complexity of the topic.

khurram usman
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ionization energy...?

i got a mcq in my test:

Ionization energy increases:
a) across a period
b) down a group
c) from metal to non-metal
d) all of above

i am confused between option 'a' and 'c'
what should be the right answer?
 
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well if ionization energy is the energy required to remove and electron, then what do you think?

in other words, what exactly are you confused about?
 


dacruick said:
well if ionization energy is the energy required to remove and electron, then what do you think?

in other words, what exactly are you confused about?

well as we move from left to right across a period then more energy is required to remove electron: option A
and similarly as we go on from metals to non metals then also ionization energy increases as non metals lose electron with difficulty: option C

above two options seem similar ...what should i do?
 


Hmm I see. Well does the ionization energy increase from every metal to every non metal? I admit that I'm not positive about this(were takling about electrons), but it seems likely that some metals hang onto electrons more than some non-metals.

EDIT: Ahh I found something. Hydrogen is a metal, and it has a higher ionization energy than a handful of non metals. So go with A

EDIT #2: I've also found that Oxygen has a lower ionization than its neighbour to the left, Nitrogen. So it seems that there are exceptions to both A) and C), but they both seem to be right in terms of trends. My final verdict is that the question could be better :smile:
 
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