Exemplar Problems

Problem 3 : Compare the ionization energy of oxygen (O) and sulfur (S). Explain any differences in their ionization energies.

Solution :

Oxygen (O) has a higher ionization energy compared to sulfur (S). This is because oxygen has a smaller atomic radius and a greater effective nuclear charge than sulfur. As you move across a period in the periodic table, ionization energy generally increases due to these factors.