Question
Ionsiation enthalpy of fluorine is greater than that of oxygen. Explain.
Solution
Ionsiation enthalpy of fluorine is greater than oxygen, it is primarily due to:
(i) the increase in nuclear charge and,
(ii) decrease in atomic size of fluorine. Due to the combined effect of these two factors, the force of attraction between the nucleus and electron to be removed increases. Hence ionisation enthalpy increases.
(i) the increase in nuclear charge and,
(ii) decrease in atomic size of fluorine. Due to the combined effect of these two factors, the force of attraction between the nucleus and electron to be removed increases. Hence ionisation enthalpy increases.
