Indicate the element in each set that has the higher ionization energy and explain your choice.
a. K or Na b. Mg or Cl c. F, N, or C
a. Na. In Na, an electron is removed from a sublevel closer to the nucleus, which requires a higher ionization energy for Na compared with K.
b. Cl. The increased nuclear charge of Cl increases the attraction for the valence electrons, which requires a higher ionization energy for Cl compared to Mg.
c. F. The increased nuclear charge of F increases the attraction for the valence electrons, which requires a higher ionization energy for F compared to C or N.