Question

Which lists elements in order of increasing ionization energy?

• A. $S<S^{+}<S^{-}$
• B. $S^{+}<S^{-}<S$
• C. $S^{-}<S<S^{+}$
• D. $S^{+}<S<S^{-}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$S^{-}<S<S^{+}$

It is easy to remove electron from a neutral atom than a positive ion and even more easy to remove it from a negative ion. The IE represents ease to remove electron. Higher IE implies more difficulty. Thus correct order of IE is $S^{-}<S<S^{+}$