Question

The second ionization enthalpy is ?

• A. smaller than the first ionization enthalpy.
• B. almost equal to the first ionization enthalpy.
• C. smaller than the third ionization enthalpy.
• D. equal to the second electron gain enthalpy.

Answer 1

The correct option is C smaller than the third ionization enthalpy.

As electrons are removed from elements, the size and shell number goes on decreasing and automatically nuclear charge increases.

With the increase of nuclear charge, the ionization energy successively increases.

Therefore, the second ionization enthalpy is smaller than third ionization enthalpy.

Hence, the correct option is $C$.