Lowest Ionization Energy [ENDORSED]

[Brevin Hensley 1C]

For drawing Lewis structures, how do you know which atom in the molecule has the lowest ionization energy?

[Carine Tamamian 2B]

You can know the lowest ionization energy of elements by where they are on the periodic table. Left to right across a period, and upward within group indicate increasing ionization energy.

[Jaifreen_Bhangu_3K]

However, hydrogen is an exception. It has a high ionization energy.

[michelle]

Ionization energy has periodicity.

[Karla_Ocampo 4E]

Hi! You can know this by using your periodic table, but be careful because hydrogen is a bit tricky.

[Andrewwiner4D]

For connection purposes: think of ionization energy as having a similar trend to electronegativity. The elements that pull electrons more towards themselves when bonding are the same atoms that it is difficult to remove an electron from.

[Jordan Y4D]

Ionization energy has a trend, but there are many outliers based on electron structures.

[Bianca Barcelo 4I]

Are there other exceptions to ionization energy (e.g., hydrogen)?