Why is the second ionization energy greater than the first ionization energy? (1 point) a. it is more difficult to remove a second electron from an atom b. the size of atoms increases down a group c. the size of anions decreases across the period d. the nuclear attraction from protons in the nucleus decreases

In case of the first ionization energy, the first electron is removed from a neutral atom; while in the second ionization energy the electron is removed from a positively charged ion which is found to be an electron deficient species.

Also when the second electron was removed the effective nuclear charge increases as compared to the first electron removal.

As a result there is a strong attraction between the nucleus and the outermost electron of the element. Therefore, the second ionization energy is observed to be higher than the first ionization energy of an element.