Question

Alkaline earth metals always form divalent cations even through their second ionization enthalpies are almost double than their first ionization enthalpies . Explain .

Answer 1

In the solid state , higher enthalpy of lattice formation by `M^(2+)` ions (as compared to `M^(+)`ions) more than compensates the higher second ionization enthalpies of metals and in aqueous solution , higher enthalpy of hydration of `M^(2+)` ions (as compared to `M^(+)` ions) more than compensates the higher second ionization enthalpy