List in order of increasing ionization potential: O,Mg,Rb,S,Si.
A)Si

Question

List in order of increasing ionization potential: O,Mg,Rb,S,Si.
A)Si < O < Mg < Rb < S
B)Si < S < Rb < Mg < O
C)Mg < O < Rb < S < Si
D)Rb < Mg < Si < S < O
E)S < Si < Mg < O < Rb

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ionization potential generally increases across a period (from left to right in the periodic table) and decreases down a group (from top to bottom). Rb (Rubidium) is the farthest left and lowest in its group, so it has the lowest ionization potential. Next is Mg (Magnesium), followed by Si (Silicon), then S (Sulfur), and finally O (Oxygen) with the highest ionization potential due to its position furthest to the right and highest in its period among the given elements.

List in Order of Increasing Ionization Potential: O,Mg,Rb,S,Si