The
ionization energy (
IE) is qualitatively defined as the amount of energy required to remove the most loosely bound
electron of an isolated gaseous atom to form a
cation. It is quantitatively expressed in symbols as:
- It is also same as the 'ionization enthalpy' or 'ionisation potential'.
- X + energy → X+ + e− http://www.avogadro.co.uk/light/ionise.htm
where X is any atom or molecule capable of being ionized, X
+ is that atom or molecule with an electron removed, and e
− is the removed electron. This is an
endothermic process.