The second ionization energy of a sodium atom is
a. About the same as the first ionization energy.
b. Much lower than the first ionization energy, because sodium is an alkali metal.
c. Much lower than the first ionization energy, because cations are more stable than anions.
d. Much greater than the first ionization energy, because second ionization requires removal of a core electron.
e. Much greater than the first ionization energy, because second ionization requires creation of a negative ion.