Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question involves comparing the ionization energy of neutral atoms and their positive ions. The main focus is on linking ionic charge, atomic radius, and ionization energy.

Key Concept Explanation
Positive ions (cations) have fewer electrons than their parent neutral atoms, resulting in a smaller atomic radius and a higher effective nuclear charge per electron.
This stronger attraction makes it harder to remove an additional electron, so cations have a higher ionization energy than their neutral parent atoms.

Step-by-Step Solution
1. Recall the relationship between ionic charge and atomic radius: positive ions are smaller than neutral atoms.
2. Link smaller radius and higher effective nuclear charge...