Which of the following will have highest difference between `IE_(1)` and `IE_(2)`?

Options

A. `K`
B. `Mg`
C. `Sr`
D. `Sc`

Answer

To determine which of the given elements has the highest difference between the first ionization energy (IE1) and the second ionization energy (IE2), we will analyze the ionization energies of each element provided: Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Strontium (Sr), and Scandium (Sc).

### Step 1: Understanding Ionization Energy
- **Ionization Energy (IE)** is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom.
- **IE1** is the energy required to remove the first electron, while **IE2** is the energy required to remove a second electron after the first has been removed.

### Step 2: Write Down the Given Data
We will summarize the ionization energies for the elements:

| Element | IE1 (kJ/mol) | IE2 (kJ/mol) | Difference (IE2 - IE1) |
|-----------|--------------|--------------|------------------------|
| Potassium | 419 | 3052 | 2633 |
| Magnesium | 737 | 1450 | 713 |
| Strontium | 549 | 1064 | 515 |
| Scandium | 633 | 1235 | 602 |

### Step 3: Calculate the Differences
Now, we will calculate the difference between IE1 and IE2 for each element:

- For **Potassium**:
- Difference = IE2 - IE1 = 3052 - 419 = **2633 kJ/mol**

- For **Magnesium**:
- Difference = IE2 - IE1 = 1450 - 737 = **713 kJ/mol**

- For **Strontium**:
- Difference = IE2 - IE1 = 1064 - 549 = **515 kJ/mol**

- For **Scandium**:
- Difference = IE2 - IE1 = 1235 - 633 = **602 kJ/mol**

### Step 4: Identify the Maximum Difference
From the calculated differences, we can see:

- Potassium: 2633 kJ/mol
- Magnesium: 713 kJ/mol
- Strontium: 515 kJ/mol
- Scandium: 602 kJ/mol

The highest difference between IE1 and IE2 is for **Potassium (2633 kJ/mol)**.

### Conclusion
Therefore, the element that has the highest difference between IE1 and IE2 is **Potassium (K)**.

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