AIIMS 2018 Physics Ionization Enthalpy MCQ Question

The assertion is true because the second ionization enthalpy is generally higher than the first due to the increased effective nuclear charge experienced by the remaining electrons after the removal of the first electron, making it harder to remove the second electron. However, the reason for this phenomenon—specifically, that the first ionization involves removing an electron from a neutral atom while the second involves removing an electron from a positively charged ion—does not directly explain the assertion, as it does not account for the role of electron shielding and repulsion. Options A and C are incorrect because they misinterpret the relationship between the assertion and the reasoning, while option D is incorrect as both statements are true.