Question

The first ionization potentials (in electron volts) of nitrogen and oxygen atoms are respectively, given by :

• A. 14.5, 13.6
• B. 13.6, 14.6
• C. 13.6, 13.6
• D. 14.6, 14.6

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

14.5, 13.6

Consider the electronic configurations of Nitrogen and Oxygen.

$N-1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3$

$O-1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^4$

We notice that if oxygen loses one electron, it will attain half-filled configuration. Hence it can lose an electron easily. Also, nitrogen is already in a half-filled configuration, and hence losing an electron will require more energy than that of oxygen.

Hence from the options we notice that option A is the right answer.