Q. 4.109 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Why is the ionization energy of Ca higher than K, but lower than that of Mg? $(4.7)$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The ionization energy of calcium is higher than that of Potassium as $Ca$ is to right of $K$and has a lower ionization than $Mg$ since it is below $Mg$.

Step 1: Given Information

We need to find the ionization energy of Ca higher than K, and lower than Mg.

Step 2: Explanation

Ionization energies decrease going down a group, but going across a period denotes an increase in ionization energies.

In according with their positions in the periodic table, Calcium has higher ionization energy than that Potassium since they belong in the a same period and Calcium is located at the right of Potassium.

The next Calcium has lower ionization energy than Magnesium because they belong in the same group and Calcium is below of Magnesium.