Chapter 6, Problem 53A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Which will have higher first ionization enthalpy metals or nonmetals is to be explained.

Concept Introduction :

The first ionization energy is the energy needed for the extraction of the outermost electron from the neutral gaseous atom.

  $X\left(g\right)+I{E}_1\to X^{+}\left(g\right)+e^{-}$

Answer to Problem 53A

Non-metals

Explanation of Solution

Metallic character decreases across the period or from left to right in the periodic table. First, ionization energy increases across the period because of a decrease in atomic size. The ionization energy is inversely related to the atomic radius. The higher the atomic radius, the lower will be the ionization energy.

Thus, nonmetals have higher first ionization energy.