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Which element shows the largest gap between its first and second ionization enthalpies?

1. Ca
2. Sc
3. Ba
4. K

Correct answer: K

Solution

Potassium (K) has a significant gap between its first and second ionization enthalpies because removing the first electron results in a stable noble gas configuration, while the second ionization requires removing an electron from a more stable, inner shell, which requires much more energy.

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