The element having greatest difference between its first and second ionization energies, is
- (A)Ca
- (B)K✓ Correct
- (C)Ba
- (D)Sc
Answer: (B)
Solution
The widest gap between the first and second ionisation energies belongs to potassium. Its single electron comes off easily to leave the argon core, but the second electron must then be torn out of that closed noble-gas shell, which costs far more. Calcium, barium and scandium each still have an accessible second electron in the same outer region, so their jump is gentler.
JEE Main · 2019 · 09 Apr 2019 · Shift 1 · Single correct option