Why ionization enthalpy is always positive ?

1 Answer
anor277
May 14, 2018

Well, look at the basic reaction....

Explanation:

#M(g) + Delta rarr M(g)^(+) + e^(-)#

The ionization reaction SEPARATES an electron from a NEUTRAL atom to give a gaseous cation, and an electron. It is eminently reasonable to assume that this process REQUIRED energy...because we have to overcome Coulomb's electrostatic law at a minimum.

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