group 1a elements?

Question

Compare hyrdrogen with the group 1a metals in terms of their ionization energy. how can you explain the difference?

Answer 1

In the Group 1A elements there is a shielding effect caused by the electrons between the nucleus and the valence electron being removed. That makes it easier to ionize those elements by removing the valence electron. (In people terms - the nucleus has so many electrons to pay attention to, so it is easier to "steal" one away when it isn't looking.)

Hydrogen has no other electrons to shield its 1 electron from the pull ("attention") of the nucleus, so it is somewhat harder to remove the electron.

Answer 2

Hydrogen is a smaller atom and the nucleus holds onto to that electron.