The first (ΔiH1) and the second (ΔiH) ionization enthalpies (in kJ mol–1) and the (ΔegH) electron gain enthalpy (in kJ mol–1) of a few elements are given below:
Elements | ΔiH | ΔiH | ΔegH |
I | 520 | 7300 | –60 |
II | 419 | 3051 | –48 |
III | 1681 | 3374 | –328 |
IV | 1008 | 1846 | –295 |
V | 2372 | 5251 | +48 |
VI | 738 | 1451 | –40 |
Which of the above elements is likely to be :
(a) the least reactive element.
(b) the most reactive metal.
(c) the most reactive non-metal.
(d) the least reactive non-metal.
(e) the metal which can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2, (X=halogen).
(f) the metal which can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X=halogen)?
(a) Element V is likely to be the least reactive element. This is because it has the highest first ionization enthalpy (ΔiH1) and a positive electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH).
(b) Element II is likely to be the most reactive metal as it has the lowest first ionization enthalpy (ΔiH1) and a low negative electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH).
(c) Element III is likely to be the most reactive non–metal as it has a high first ionization enthalpy (ΔiH1) and the highest negative electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH).
(d) Element V is likely to be the least reactive non–metal since it has a very high first ionization enthalpy (ΔiH2) and a positive electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH).
(e) Element VI has a low negative electron gain enthalpy (ΔegH). Thus, it is a metal. Further, it has the lowest second ionization enthalpy (ΔiH2). Hence, it can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2 (X=halogen).
(f) Element I has low first ionization energy and high second ionization energy. Therefore, it can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X=halogen).