Question

Ionization potential increases over a period from left to right because the:

• A. Atomic radius increases and nuclear charge increases
• B. Atomic radius decreases and nuclear charge decreases
• C. Atomic radius increases and nuclear charge decreases
• D. Atomic radius decreases and nuclear charge increases

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Atomic radius decreases and nuclear charge increases

• We know that in the periodic table from left to right in a particular period, the atomic size decreases, and the effective nuclear charge increases. These make the outermost electrons of an atom more closely bound to its nucleus.
• Therefore more energy is required to remove a valence electron from an atom as we go to the right side of a period.
• Therefore ionization potential increases over a period from left to right.

So the correct option is D.