Chapter 8, Problem 8.10QE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the lower ionization energy of sodium than that of lithium has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

The energy that is required to remove an electron from the isolated, neutral gaseous atom is known as ionization energy. It is represented by $I$. The energy required to remove the first electron from the neutral atom is called the first ionization energy, denoted by $I_1$. The energy required to remove the second electron from the monovalent anion is called the second ionization energy, denoted by $I_2$ and so on. Energy is always supplied to the atom so as to remove an electron from it so ionization energies have positive values.