Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Q1. First ionization enthalpy of Nitrogen is greater than oxygen.

Give Reason.
Ans. Nitrogen has half filled 2p orbital which gives extra stability.In
Nitrogen, three 2p orbital is present in different atomic orbital(Hund’s
Rule) whereas in oxygen, two of the four 2p electrons must occupy
the same 2p orbital resulting in an increase electron repulsion.
(N(7)=1s22s22p x12p y12p 1z) ( O=1s22s22p x22p y12p 1z)

Q2. 1st ionization enthalpy of boron is less than Beryllium. Give reason.
(exception)
Ans. B=1s22s22p1 Be=1s22s2 Boron has greater nuclear charge than Be.
But-
(a) In the same principal quantum level, an s-electron is attracted to
the nucleus more than a p-electron. In Be the electron removed during
ionization is an s-electron. Whereas the electron removed during the
ionization of boron is a p-electron.
(b) The penetration of a 2s electron to the nucleus is more than that of
a 2p electron. Hence 2p electron of boron is more shielded from the
nucleus by the inner core of electron than the 2s electron of
Beryllium. Therefore it is easier to remove the 2p electron from boron
than from 2s electron from beryllium. (c) Be has stable completely
filled configuration.

Q3. Electron gain enthalpy of Fluorine is less negative than

Chlorine(CI). Give Reason. (exception)
Ans. When an electron is added to F the added electron goes to the
smaller n=2 quantum level(1s22s22p5) and suffer significant repulsion
from the other electrons present. For n=3 quantum level for CI, the
added electron occupies a larger region of space and the
electron-electron repulsion is less.

Q4. Noble gases have positive electron gain enthalpy. Why?

Ans. Noble gases have stable electronic configuration. So energy has to
be supplied to make it gain electrons. Secondly the electron has to enter
the next higher energy level leading to a very unstable electronic
configuration.

Electronegativity:-The ability of an atom in a chemical compound to

attract shared electron pair towards itself is called electronegativity.

Electronegativity increases across a period from left to right,

because the attraction of valence electrons towards the nucleus
increases, size decreases. Electronegativity increases.

Electronegativity decreases down the group:- because the attraction of

outermost electron form the nucleus decreases, size increases,
electronegativity decreases.

Q5. How does electronegativity differ from electron gain enthalpy?

Ans. Electronegativity is not a measurable quantity while electron gain
enthalpy is a measurable quantity.
Q6. ∆iH3 > ∆iH2 > ∆iH1 Give Reason.
Ans. Second ionization enthalpy is higher than first because it is more
difficult to remove an electron from a positively charged ion.
Effective nuclear charge per electron increases and size decreases.

Q7. Second electron gain enthalpy of oxygen would be positive.

Why? Ans. After addition of one electron it becomes negatively
charged.
The second electron is added to negatively charged ion. The addition
is opposed by coulombic repulsion. Therefore energy has to be
supplied to force the second electron into the anion.

Q8. What is the significance of the term ‘isolated gaseous atom’

and ‘ground state’ while defining ionization enthalpy and
electron gain enthalpy.
Ans. Isolated gaseous atom means that the atom should be free from
other atoms in the gaseous state. No energy should be required to
separate it further from other atoms.
Ground state- lowest energy state possible for an atom.
Q.9 Electron gain enthalpy of oxygen is less negative than Sulphur.
Give Reason. (exception)
Ans. When an electron is added to O, the added electron goes to the
smaller n=2 quantum level(1s22s22p5) and suffer significant repulsion
from the other electrons present. For n=3 quantum level for S, the
added electron occupies a larger region of space and the electron-
electron repulsion is less.