Question

It is relatively easy to strip the outer electrons from a heavy atom like that of uranium (which then becomes a uranium ion), but it is very difficult to remove the inner electrons. Discuss why this is so.

Answer 1

Answer: it is very difficult to remove the inner electrons from an atom because of the strong electrostatic force of attraction by the nucleus. In contrast, it is very easy to remove the outer electrons from an atom because the electrostatic force of attraction from the nucleus is not strong enough to hold the outer electrons hence it is removed.