Answer: 13.6 eV.
- A 13.6 eV
- B -13.6 eV
- C 1.36 eV
- D 136 eV
Correct answer: A. 13.6 eV
Explanation: Ionization energy = energy needed to remove electron from ground state = 13.6 eV (positive, as it takes this much energy).

The Geiger–Marsden alpha-scattering result: a few alpha particles bounce back at large angles, which rules out Thomson’s diffuse model and demands a tiny, massive, positively charged nucleus. Image: Kurzon, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Concept context
Thomson's plum-pudding model, Rutherford's nuclear model from alpha-scattering, Bohr's postulates and hydrogen spectrum, spectral series (Lyman to Pfund), Rydberg formula, and limitations of each model.