The ionization energy of an atom is which of the following?
A) the energy released when an atom gains an electron
B) the energy released when an atom loses an electron
C) the energy required to add an electron to an atom
D) the energy required to remove an electron from an atom

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ionization energy of an atom is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom. This process results in the formation of an ion with a positive charge. Option A is incorrect because gaining an electron releases energy, not absorbs it. Option B is incorrect because losing an electron also releases energy. Option C is incorrect because adding an electron to an atom results in the formation of an anion with a negative charge, and the energy released in this process is known as electron affinity.

The Ionization Energy of an Atom Is Which of the Following