Chapter 7, Problem 126A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The element with greater ionization energy among Chlorine and Carbon needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Ionization energy can be defined as the amount of energy needed to remove an electron form an atom or an ion.

Answer to Problem 126A

Chlorine has the higher ionization energy than Carbon.

Explanation of Solution

Electronic configuration of Chlorine is [Ne] 3s² 3p5. It has 7 valence electrons. Electronic configuration of Carbon is [He] 2s² 2p². It has 4 valence electrons.

From the electronic configuration of both Chlorine and Bromine one can predict that Chlorine is much closure to full octet than that of Carbon having only 4 valence electrons. Hence, it can be concluded that Chlorine has the higher ionization energy than Carbon.

Also, chlorine is an electronegative atom it has tendency to gain electron thus, large energy is required to remove an electron from an electronegative atom.

Conclusion

Chlorine has the higher ionization energy than Carbon as the electronic configuration

of Chlorine is molecule closure to full octet than Carbon.