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The S-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH11007136

The first ionisation enthalpies of alkaline earth metals are higher than those of corresponding alkali metals. Explain. 

Solution
This is because the atoms of alkaline earth metals have a smaller size as compared to the alkali metals. Therefore, the electrons in the outermost shells of the alkaline earth metals are more tightly held. As a result, the ionisation enthalpies are higher than those of alkali metals.