Question

Which has a higher ionization energy chloride( cl) or magnesium? Why? Select the best answer.(a) cl it takes less energy to add an electron to a valence shell that is nearly full

Answer 1

The correct answer is that chloride (Cl) has a higher ionization energy than magnesium (Mg). Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

In general, nonmetals like chlorine tend to have higher ionization energies compared to metals like magnesium. This is because nonmetals have a greater attraction for their valence electrons due to their higher electronegativity and the fact that they are closer to achieving a full valence shell. Chlorine has seven electrons in its outer shell and only needs one more to achieve a stable octet, making it more energetically favorable for it to hold onto its electrons tightly.

Magnesium, on the other hand, has two electrons in its outer shell and tends to lose them to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to that of neon. Therefore, it takes less energy to remove an electron from magnesium compared to removing one from chlorine.

Regarding the statement you provided, it is partially correct since it mentions that it takes less energy to add an electron to a valence shell that is nearly full. However, ionization energy specifically refers to the removal of electrons, not the addition of electrons.

So, putting it all together, the correct conclusion is that chlorine (Cl) has a higher ionization energy than magnesium (Mg) due to its greater effective nuclear charge and the stability of its nearly full valence shell.