A student investigates periodic trends and compiles the valence electron configurations and first ionization energies for phosphorus and sulfur, shown in the table below.

Element	Valence Electron Configuration	First Ionization Energy (\(\text{kJ/mol}\))
\(\text{P}\)	\(3s^2 3p^3\)	\(1012\)
\(\text{S}\)	\(3s^2 3p^4\)	\(1000\)

Which of the following statements correctly identifies the element from which an electron is more easily removed and provides the valid chemical reasoning?