Question

Which of the following has the lowest ionization energy ?

• A. Oxygen
• B. Nitrogen
• C. Fluroine
• D. Sulphur

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Sulphur

Consider the given options. Sulphur has the maximum atomic radius when compared to the other three atoms. Also the electronic configuration of sulphur is $\left[Ne\right]3s^{2}3p^4$. By losing one electron, sulphur can attain the half filled state and hence achieve greater stability. Hence, sulphur has the least ionization enthalpy in this case.