Assume the valence electron in a sodium atom is on average from the nucleus

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties

Problem

Assume the valence electron in a sodium atom is on average

0.19\,\text{nm}

from the nucleus, while that in a potassium atom is on average

0.28\,\text{nm}

away. If each valence electron experiences an effective nuclear charge of

+1.0

, which of the following is the best estimate of the ratio

\dfrac{\text{IE}_{\text{Na}}}{\text{IE}_{\text{K}}}

of their first ionization energies? (a)

0.68

(b)

1.5

(c)

2.2

(d)

0.56