Which has a higher ionization energy: chlorine (Cl) or magnesium (Mg)? Why? Select the best answer.(1 point)

Question

Responses

Mg; it takes more energy to pull two electrons away from magnesium(Mg) than it does to take them from chlorine(Cl).
Mg; it takes more energy to pull two electrons away from magnesium(Mg) than it does to take them from chlorine(Cl).

Mg; magnesium has more valence electrons than chlorine.
Mg; magnesium has more valence electrons than chlorine.

Cl; it takes less energy to add an electron to a valence shell that is nearly full.
Cl; it takes less energy to add an electron to a valence shell that is nearly full.

Cl; it takes much more

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

Cl; it takes much more energy to pull electrons away from chlorine (Cl) because it has a higher effective nuclear charge and is closer to achieving a full octet.

Explanation: Ionization energy generally increases across a period from left to right due to increasing nuclear charge and a greater attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons. Chlorine (Cl) is further to the right in the periodic table than magnesium (Mg) and has a higher ionization energy. Magnesium has a lower ionization energy because it has a lower effective nuclear charge and is further from having a full valence shell.

In summary, chlorine has a higher ionization energy than magnesium due to its position in the periodic table and its electronic structure.