The ionization energy (Ei) is qualitatively defined as the amount of energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron, the valence electron. of an isolated gaseous atom to form a cation. It is quantitatively expressed in symbols as
X + energy → X+ + e−
where X is any atom or molecule capable of being ionized, X+ is that atom or molecule with an electron removed, and e− is the removed electron. This is an endothermic process
Generally, the closer the electrons are to the nucleus of the atom, the higher the atom's ionization energy.
The units for ionization energy are different in physicsand chemistry In physics, the unit is the amount of energy required to remove a single electron from a single atom or molecule: expressed as an electron volt. In chemistry, the units are the amount of energy it takes for all of the atoms in a mole of substance to lose one electron each:molar
ionization energy or enthalpy,
expressed as kilojoulesper mole (kJ/mol)
Examples of Ionization Energy:
1. Hydrogen (H) - 13.6
That is 13.6 electron volt of energy is required to remove the outermost electron from hydrogen atom.
2. Helium (He) - 24.59
3. Boron (B) - 8.3
4. Carbon (C) - 11.26
5. Nitrogen (N) - 14.53
6. Oxygen (O) - 13.62
7. Sodium (Na) - 5.14
8. Aluminum (Al) - 5.99
9. Chlorine (Cl) - 12.97
10. Calcium (Ca) - 6.11