Question:

The first ionization energies of potassium and calcium are

Last updated: 8/5/2022

The first ionization energies of potassium and calcium are

The first ionization energies of potassium and calcium are somewhat similar, 419 kJ/mol and 590 kJ/mol, respectively. However, the melting points are significantly different: The melting temperature of potassium is 63.5 °C and the melting temperature of calcium is 842 °C. Clearly explain this large difference in melting temperatures.