Ionization Energy: What Makes Inert Gases Special?

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In summary, ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom, and it generally increases across a row on the periodic table. Inert gases, such as the noble gases, have a high ionization energy due to their closed electron shells, making them less likely to react chemically with other elements. However, some halogen elements, like fluorine, can still form compounds with inert gases.
  • #1
thabo2g5
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please can someone explain to me what is ionization energy and how come inert gases seems like they are special:cry:
 
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  • #2
ionaziation energy is the energy to remove an electron from an atom (to ionize the atom)
 
  • #3
The ionization energy or ionization potential is the energy necessary to remove an electron from the neutral atom. It is a minimum for the alkali metals which have a single electron outside a closed shell. It generally increases across a row on the periodic maximum for the noble gases which have closed shells.

Noble gases really catch hold of their electrons very firmly and the e- too have no reason to leave thus U will need a very large amt. of energy to rip out an e-
 
  • #4
The energy required to remove one e- from the valence shell of a neutral atom.
It is hence the energy required to ionize the atom (+1 charge)
 
  • #5
Well it is better to state that it is the energy required to remove an electron from an isolated gaseous atom.
 
  • #6
and in crystal you can use this equation
[tex]\phi[/tex]=[tex]\frac{\lambda A_{n}}{R^{n}}[/tex] -[tex]\frac{\alpha e}{R}[/tex]

e=electron charge
 
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  • #7
thabo2g5 said:
how come inert gases seems like they are special
what does one mean by 'special'.

Inert gases are relatively 'inert', i.e. they do not readily react chemically with other elements. This is because of the higher binding energy of the last electron.

http://www.webelements.com/webelements/properties/text/image-line/ionization-energy-1.html


The halogen F does react with Kr and Xe form compounds.

http://www.webelements.com/webelements/compounds/text/Kr/F2Kr1-13773814.html

http://www.webelements.com/webelements/compounds/text/Xe/F2Xe1-13709369.html
 

FAQ: Ionization Energy: What Makes Inert Gases Special?

What is ionization energy?

Ionization energy is the amount of energy required to remove an electron from an atom or molecule, resulting in the formation of a positively charged ion.

Why are inert gases special when it comes to ionization energy?

Inert gases, also known as noble gases, have a full outer electron shell, making them highly stable and less likely to give up or gain electrons. This means that they have very high ionization energies compared to other elements.

How does ionization energy affect the reactivity of inert gases?

The high ionization energy of inert gases makes them very unreactive, as they are not easily able to lose or gain electrons to form chemical bonds with other elements. This is why they are often used in neon lights and other applications that require a non-reactive gas.

How does the ionization energy of inert gases compare to other elements?

The ionization energy of inert gases is significantly higher than other elements, due to their full outer electron shells. This makes them more stable and less likely to react with other elements.

Can the ionization energy of inert gases be overcome?

Yes, it is possible to overcome the ionization energy of inert gases through the use of extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or strong electromagnetic fields. However, this requires a large amount of energy and is not typically seen in everyday situations.

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