Which of the following has the highest ionization energy?

Which of the following has the highest ionization energy?

Correct Answer: Silicon (Si)

Step 1: Understand what ionization energy is. It is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom.
Step 2: Know that elements with a higher nuclear charge (more protons) usually have higher ionization energy because they hold their electrons more tightly.
Step 3: Recognize that smaller atoms (with a smaller atomic radius) also tend to have higher ionization energy because the electrons are closer to the nucleus.
Step 4: Compare the elements given in the question. Look for the one with more protons and a smaller size.
Step 5: Identify that Silicon (Si) has a higher nuclear charge and a smaller atomic radius compared to the other elements listed.
Step 6: Conclude that Silicon (Si) has the highest ionization energy among the options provided.

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