Question

I interpreted the word larger as increasing. Please explain your answer as I think I'm getting the concepts confused. If you can use the periodic table for visual that would be great too.

Circle the species in each pair that would have the larger first ionization energy  IE₁

₁₉K or ₂₀Ca ₃Li or   ₃₇Rb

number = atomic number

Thank you

Answer 1

general trend- IE increases across the period

IE decreases down the group

Li and Rb= Li having high ionization energy
because its value reduces down the group
in the periodic table since size of atom increases
down the group.So removal of valance electrons need less
energy (IE)
hence Li has larger IE
************************

K and Ca = Ca having more IE because across
the period size of atom decreases .Thus
ionization energy increases[ K in 1st group
and Ca in 2nd group]
Ca has larger IE
*******************

thank you hope it is clear :))