The 1st ionization enthalpy for Mg is +737 kJ/mol. The most probable estimated value of the 2nd ionization enthalpy of Mg is .
- −906 kJ/mol
- −856 kJ/mol
- +1450 kJ/mol
- +590 kJ/mol
Answer
(3) +1450 kJ/mol
Solution
Energy is always absorbed to remove an electron ⇒ ionisation enthalpy is positive ⇒ (1) and (2) are ruled out.
The 2nd electron is removed from Mg+, a positive ion: the remaining electrons feel a larger effective nuclear charge
⇒ iH2 > iH1 (= 737 kJ/mol) ⇒ (4), +590 kJ/mol, is ruled out.
Mg+ ([Ne] 3s1) still loses a valence 3s electron, so iH2 is roughly double iH1 (actual value ≈ 1450 kJ/mol).
Answer: (3)