The second ionization potential of elements is invariable higher than first ionization potential bec — Periodic Table and Periodicity Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: When a neutral atom loses an electron to form a positive ion (cation), the nuclear charge remains constant while the electron-electron repulsions decrease. Step 2: This causes the remaining electron cloud to contract under a greater effective nuclear charge, making the cation smaller than its parent neutral atom. Step 3: Because the electrons are held more tightly in the smaller cation, it is invariably harder to remove the second electron, making IE_2 always greater than IE_1.