Which of the following statements correctly describes ionization energies?
A) Ionization energies are always positive as the process of electron removal is always endothermic.
B) Ionization energies generally increase as we go from top to bottom within a column of the periodic table.
C) Ionization energies are always positive as the process of electron removal is always endothermic and ionization energies generally increase as we go from top to bottom within a column of the periodic table.
D) Ionization energies are neither positive nor do they generally increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom or ion in its gaseous state, which is an endothermic process, meaning energy is absorbed. This process increases the potential energy of the atom or ion, hence ionization energy is always positive. Ionization energies generally decrease as we go from top to bottom within a column of the periodic table due to increasing atomic size and electron shielding, not increase as stated in option B.

Which of the Following Statements Correctly Describes Ionization Energies