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EEJ MAIN Chemistry QUESTION #7163
Question 1
Determine the highest first ionization energy among the following elements.
  • $Na$
  • $K$
  • $Sc$✔️
  • $Rb$
Correct Answer Explanation
Ionization energy generally increases across a period and decreases down a group. $Na$, $K$, and $Rb$ are alkali metals with large atomic radii and single valence electrons. Scandium ($Sc$) is a transition metal with a higher nuclear charge and smaller radius than the alkali metals in the same or lower periods, resulting in a higher effective nuclear charge holding the outermost electrons.