Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question evaluates the understanding of the periodic trend in ionization energy and the factors that influence it.

Key Concept Explanation
Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom. Across a period, the ionization energy generally increases due to the increasing nuclear charge and decreasing atomic radius, which strengthens the attraction for valence electrons.

Step-by-step Solution
1. Identify the key factors affecting ionization energy: nuclear charge and atomic radius.
2. Recognize that as you move from left to right across a period, the nuclear charge increases and the atomic radi...