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Ionization Energy Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Ionization Energy

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide

Ionization Energy Definition: Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from a gaseous atom or ion. The first or initial ionization energy or Ei of an atom or molecule is the energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of isolated gaseous atoms or ions. You may think of ionization energy as a measure of the difficulty of removing electron or the strength by which an electron is bound. The higher the ionization energy, the more difficult it is to remove an electron. Therefore, ionization energy is in indicator of reactivity.

Also Known As: ionization potential, IE, IP

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