Which of the elements listed below has the smallest first ionization energy
A) C
B) Ge
C) P
D) O
E) Se

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First ionization energy generally decreases down a group in the periodic table because the outer electrons are farther from the nucleus and are therefore less tightly bound. Germanium (Ge) is located below carbon (C) in Group 14, making it the element with the smallest first ionization energy among the options given.

Which of the Elements Listed Below Has the Smallest First