What is the term for the energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom?
A
Electronegativity
B
Ionization energy
C
Lattice energy
D
Electron affinity
Correct Answer: Option B — Ionization energy
Explanation:
Ionization energy is the minimum energy required to remove the most loosely bound electron from a neutral gaseous atom, forming a positively charged cation, and it generally increases across a period.