The first ionization enthalpy of an atom is the minimun enegry nedded to remove the highest enegry (that is the outermost) electron from the neutral atom in the________state in its ground state.

Options

A. solid
B. liquid
C. gaseous
D. colloidal

Answer

C

Explanation

Energy `+X(g) rarr X^(+)(g) +e^(-)`
where `x` represents an atom of any element, `e^(-)` is an electron and `g` denotes the gaseous state. Unlike an atom in the condensed phase (liquid and soild), and atom in the gaseous phase of the element ois virtually uninfluenced by its neighbors. the magnitude of ionization enthalpy is a measure of teh effort required to force an atom to give up an electron, or of how tightly the electron is held in the atom. the higher the ionization enthalpy, the more difficult it is to remove the electron.