Consider the following statement: "The ionization energy for...

Consider the following statement: "The ionization energy for the potassium atom is negative, because when $K$ loses an electron to become $K^{+}$, it achieves a noble gas electron configuration." Indicate everything that is correct in this statement. Indicate everything that is incorrect. Correct the incorrect information and explain.

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Key Concepts

Ionization Energy

Ionization energy is defined as the energy required to remove an electron from a neutral atom. By definition, it is always a positive value because energy must be supplied to overcome the attractive forces between the electron and the nucleus. A negative ionization energy would imply that energy is released during the removal of an electron, which contradicts the process of ionization.

Noble Gas Electron Configuration

Achieving a noble gas electron configuration is a common motive for atoms to lose or gain electrons, as noble gases exhibit maximum stability due to their full valence shell. In the case of potassium, losing its outermost electron results in an electron configuration matching that of a noble gas, conferring additional stability.

Energy Sign Convention

The sign convention in thermochemical processes assigns a positive value when energy is absorbed and a negative value when energy is released. Since ionization involves the absorption of energy to remove an electron, the ionization energy must be positive. Misstating it as negative is a misunderstanding of these conventions.

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