Andalusia PAU Chemistry Practice Questions - Andalusia PAU Chemistry (Química 2o Bachillerato) Exam

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Why does nitrogen (Z = 7) have a higher first ionization energy than oxygen (Z = 8), despite oxygen being to the right of nitrogen in Period 2?

Nitrogen has a half-filled 2p subshell (2p³), which confers extra exchange stability. Oxygen has a smaller nuclear charge than nitrogen. Nitrogen has a larger atomic radius than oxygen, making electron removal easier. Oxygen experiences no electron-electron repulsion in its 2p orbitals.

Correct Answer:

Nitrogen has a half-filled 2p subshell (2p³), which confers extra exchange stability.

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