Question

How to determine which element has a higher second ionization energy?

Answer 1

The second ionization energy of an element is influenced by factors such as electron configuration, attraction from the nucleus, and energy required to unpair electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

The second ionization energy of an element can be determined using the following factors:

1. The electron configuration of the element
2. The attraction from the nucleus
3. The energy required to unpair electrons

These factors influence the second ionization energy because electron removal from a lower energy level or unpairing of electrons in a full orbital requires more energy.

For example, in the elements B, C, N, the second ionization energy increases because the electron being removed is from a higher energy level. In Mg, the second ionization energy is higher due to the unpairing of electrons in the 2s orbital. In Al, the second ionization energy is relatively higher because the removed electron is unprotected and unpaired in a p orbital.