Question

Consider the equation `X(g) + en ergy -> X^+ + e^-`. What does the "energy" represent in this equation?

Answer 1

The energy required to separate charged particles.

Explanation:

Clearly, an ATTRACTIVE electrostatic force exists between the charged particles. The energy required to separate the charged particles is represented in the equation.

`X(g) + Delta rarr X^(+) + e^-`

This reaction represents the enthalpy of ionization of element `X`.