Answer :
Final answer:
The total energy required to remove both electrons from a neutral helium atom is the sum of the first and second ionization energies, which is 79.01 eV. Hence, the answer is D. 79 eV.
Explanation:
The energy required to remove one of the electrons from a neutral helium atom is 24.6 eV. To remove both electrons from a neutral helium atom, the total energy required is the sum of the first ionization energy plus the second ionization energy. The first ionization energy, I₁, is 24.59 eV, and the second ionization energy, I₂, is 54.42 eV. Thus, the total energy required to remove both electrons would be I₁ + I₂ = 24.59 eV + 54.42 eV = 79.01 eV. Therefore, the correct answer is D. 79 eV.