From the data below, which elements are likely to be nonmetals?
$$\begin{array} { l l }
\text { Element } & \text { First ionization energy, } \mathrm { kJ } \cdot \mathrm { mol } ^ { - 1 } \
\hline 1 & 1310 \
2 & 980 \
3 & 418 \
4 & 2080 \
5 & 947
\end{array}$$
A) 3 and 5
B) 3 only
C) 1 and 4
D) 1 and 2
E) 2 and 5

Question

From the data below, which elements are likely to be nonmetals?
$$\begin{array} { l l } 
\text { Element } & \text { First ionization energy, } \mathrm { kJ } \cdot \mathrm { mol } ^ { - 1 } \
\hline 1 & 1310 \
2 & 980 \
3 & 418 \
4 & 2080 \
5 & 947
\end{array}$$
A) 3 and 5
B) 3 only
C) 1 and 4
D) 1 and 2
E) 2 and 5

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nonmetals typically have higher first ionization energies because they are closer to completing their valence electron shell, making them less willing to lose an electron. Elements 1 and 4 have the highest ionization energies, suggesting they are likely nonmetals.

From the Data Below, Which Elements Are Likely to Be