Which explains the change in ionization energy that occurs between removing the first and second electrons from an atom? A)The ionization energy decreases because the ratio of the protons to electrons increases. B)The ionization energy increases because the ratio of the protons to electrons increases. C)The ionization energy decreases because the ratio of the protons to electrons decreases. D)The ionization energy increases because the ratio of the protons to electrons decreases.
Chemistry · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020
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D) The ionization energy increases because the ratio of the protons to electrons decreases.
Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom. When removing the first electron, the electron is being taken from the outermost electron shell, and the positive charge of the nucleus has a relatively weak effect on holding the electron. However, when removing the second electron, it is being taken from a more tightly held inner electron shell. The increased positive charge from the protons in the nucleus exerts a stronger force on the remaining electrons, making it more difficult to remove an electron, and thus, the ionization energy increases.