Question Detail
Question
Which element would have the highest second ionization energy?
Correct Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Second ionization energy is the energy to remove a second electron. Sodium (Na) has an electron configuration of [Ne]3s¹. After removing the first electron, it achieves the stable, full-shell configuration of neon ([Ne]). Removing a second electron from this very stable configuration requires a huge amount of energy, giving sodium a very high second ionization energy.
Hint
Consider which element, after losing one electron, achieves a very stable noble gas configuration.