When comparing the successive ionization energies of an element, an unusually big increase in ionization energy is seen when
A)the first valence electron is removed.
B)the second valence electron is removed.
C)the eighth electron of is removed.
D)the first core electron is removed.
E)the last valence electron is removed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The unusually big increase in ionization energy occurs when the first core electron is removed because core electrons are closer to the nucleus and more tightly bound than valence electrons. Removing a core electron requires significantly more energy than removing a valence electron due to the increased effective nuclear charge experienced by core electrons.

When Comparing the Successive Ionization Energies of an Element, an Unusually