Ionization energy

[805601399]

Why do ionization energies correspond to the gas phase?

[cecilia1F]

I think we typically measure ionization for an atom in the gaseous state because in the gaseous state there are not atoms nearby that could interact with the system and change the ionization energy.

[Hannah_Pon_1F]

To elaborate if ionization energy was based on the solid-state, particles are very close together and the intermolecular and intramolecular forces that hold the solid together would interfere with the value of the ionization energy.

[Justin_Choo_3J]

Hello!!

Ionization energy is measured in the gas phase because, in this phase, there is a minimal attraction between other particles that can potentially disrupt the ionization energy of an atom in question.

[Arjun_Anumula_3E]

The gaseous state minimizes all other potential forces from interfering (such as the increased particle-particle interactions in solids and liquids), so that the Ionization energy can most closely depict how much energy is needed to remove one electron.