Question

${\left(IE\right)}_1$ and ${\left(IE\right)}_2$ in kJ ${mol}^{-1}$ of K and Ca have been given as

	${\left(IE\right)}_1$	${\left(IE\right)}_2$
K	419	3052
Ca	590	1145

The difference can be explained by:

• A. stable inert gas configuration
• B. hydrogen bonding
• C. steric hindrance
• D. vanderwall effect

Answer 1

The correct option is A stable inert gas configuration

${\left(IE\right)}_2$ of K >>> ${\left(IE\right)}_1$ of K since $K^{+}$ (after one electron is removed)
has stable inert gas configuration as compared to corresponding values for Ca in which ${Ca}^{+}$ can lose second electron easily.