Question

Write equations that show the processes that describe the first, second, and third ionization energies for a gaseous gadolinium atom. Express your answers as chemical equations separated by commas.

Answer 1

Answer:

Gd → Gd⁺ + 1e⁻, Gd⁺ → Gd⁺² + 1e⁻, Gd⁺² → Gd⁺³ + 1e⁻

Explanation:

The ionization energy is the energy necessary to remove one electron of the atom, transforming it in a cation. The first ionization energy is the energy necessary to remove the first electron, the second energy, to remove the second electron, and then successively.

Thus, for gadolinium (Gd)

Fisrt ionization:

Gd → Gd⁺ + 1e⁻

Second ionization:

Gd⁺ → Gd⁺² + 1e⁻

Third ionization:

Gd⁺² → Gd⁺³ + 1e⁻