Metal which ionizes easily is which element?

Metal which ionizes easily is which element?

• A. Iron
• B. Potassium
• C. Copper
• D. Sodium

Answer: (B)

Ionization energy is the energy needed to remove the outermost electron. A metal that ionizes easily has a low first ionization energy and will form positive ions readily. Potassium, an alkali metal in group 1, has the lowest first ionization energy among these options, so its outer electron is released most readily to form K+. Iron and copper are heavier transition metals with higher ionization energies, so they ionize less readily. Sodium also ionizes but not as easily as potassium, since its first ionization energy is higher. Therefore, potassium is the metal that ionizes easily.

Ionization energy is the energy needed to remove the outermost electron. A metal that ionizes easily has a low first ionization energy and will form positive ions readily. Potassium, an alkali metal in group 1, has the lowest first ionization energy among these options, so its outer electron is released most readily to form K+. Iron and copper are heavier transition metals with higher ionization energies, so they ionize less readily. Sodium also ionizes but not as easily as potassium, since its first ionization energy is higher. Therefore, potassium is the metal that ionizes easily.