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Write Brief Answer · Q7

Q.How would you explain the fact that the second ionisation potential is always higher than first ionisation potential?

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Step 1. IE1 removes an electron from the neutral atom, M(g)→M(g)++e−M_{(g)} \rightarrow M^+_{(g)} + e^-. IE2 removes an electron from the resulting cation, M(g)+→M(g)2++e−M^+_{(g)} \rightarrow M^{2+}_{(g)} + e^-.

Step 2. The cation M+M^+ has exactly one fewer electron than the neutral atom MM, but the same number of protons (same nuclear charge Z).

Step 3. With fewer electrons repelling each other and shielding the nucleus, the remaining electrons in M+M^+ feel a higher effective nuclear charge than they did in the neutral atom -- so they are held more tightly. …

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