Important Reasoning questions

1. Be has higher ionization enthalpy than B. Give reason.

In case of Be (1s2 2s2) the outermost electron is present in 2s-orbital while in B (1s2 2s2 2p1) it is
present in 2p-orbital. Since 2s – electrons are more strongly attracted by the nucleus than 2p-
electrons, therefore, lesser amount of energy is required to knock out a 2p-electron than a 2s-
electron. Consequently, I.E of Be is higher than that of B.
2. O has lower first ionization enthalpy than N and F. Give reason.
The electronic configuration of
N7 = 1s2 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz1
O8 =1s2 2s2 2px1 2py1 2pz1
We can see that in case of nitrogen, 2p-orbitals are exactly half-filled. Therefore, it is more
difficult to remove an electron from N than from O. As a result first I.E of N is higher than that
of O and F.
3. How would you explain the fact that the first ionization enthalpy of sodium is lower than
that of magnesium but its second ionization enthalpy is higher than that of magnesium?
Electronic configuration of Na and Mg are:
Na = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
Mg = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2
First electron in both cases has to be removed from 3s-orbital but the nuclear charge of Na (+ 11)
is lower than that of Mg (+ 12) therefore first ionization energy of sodium is lower than that of
magnesium.
After the loss of first electron, the electronic configuration of
Na+ = 1s2 2s2 2p6
Mg+ = 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
Here electron is to be removed from inert (neon) gas configuration which is very stable and
hence removal of second electron requires more energy in comparison to Mg.
Therefore, second ionization enthalpy of sodium is higher than that of magnesium.
4. F has much more negative electron gain enthalpy compared to oxygen. why?
Both O and F lie in 2nd period. As we move from O to F the atomic size decreases.
Due to smaller size of F nuclear charge increases.
Further, gain of one electron F turns to F-
F- ion has inert gas configuration, While the gain of one electron by O gives O-
which does not have a stable inert gas configuration, consequently, the energy released is much
higher in the case of F compared to O. In other words, electron gain enthalpy of F is much more
negative than that of oxygen.
5. Cl has much more negative electron gain enthalpy compared to F. why?
The reason for the deviation is due to the smaller size of F. Due to its small size, the electron
repulsions in the relatively compact 2p-subshell are comparatively large and hence the attraction
for incoming electron is less as in the case of Cl.
6. Would you expect the second electron gain enthalpy of O as positive, more negative or
less negative than the first? Justify your answer.
Answer: For oxygen atom:
O (g) + e– —> O– (g) (∆ eg H = – 141 kJ mol -1)
O– (g) + e– —> O 2- (g) (∆ eg H = + 780 kJ mol -1)
The first electron gain enthalpy of oxygen is negative because energy is released when a gaseous
atom accepts an electron to form monovalent anion. The second electron gain enthalpy is

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positive because energy is needed to overcome the force of repulsion between monovalent anion
and second incoming electron.
7. Why are electron gain enthalpies of Be and Mg positive?
Answer: They have fully filled s-orbitals and hence have no tendency to accept an additional
electron. That’s why energy is needed if an extra electron is to be added. Therefore, electron gain
enthalpies of Be and Mg are positive.
8. Explain why chlorine can be converted into chloride ion more easily as compared to
fluoride ion from fluorine ?
Answer: Electron gain enthalpy of Cl is more negative than that of F.
9. Explain why radius of cation is less than that of the atom?
Since the cation is formed by losing one or more electrons (No: of protons remain the same), the
nuclear charge acting per valence electron increases, and hence size decreases.
For example,
Na —> Na++ e–
Thus the radius of Na+will be less than the Na.
10. Explain why radius of anion is more than that of the atom?
Since the anion is formed by gaining one or more electrons (No: of protons remains the same),
the nuclear charge acting on each valence electron decreases, and hence the atomic radius is
larger than the corresponding atom.
11. In an iso-electronic ion, the ionic radii decrease with an increase in atomic number.
Why?
In iso-electronic ions, atoms have same number of electrons but different magnitude of nuclear
charges (due to different numbers of protons). As the nuclear charge (due to the increase in
atomic number) increases ionic radius decreases.
For example. N3-, O2-, and F– have the same No. of electrons = 10, but different ionic radii =
171pm, 140pm, 136pm respectively.
12. Noble gases have a positive value of electron gain enthalpy. Give reason.
Electron gain enthalpy values of noble gases are positive because they have stable electronic
configuration and thus have no tendency to take additional electrons.
13. All transition elements are d-block elements, but all d-block elements are not transition
elements. Explain.
All transition metals are d-block elements, but not all d-block elements are transition elements because all d-
block elements that do not have completely filled d- orbitals are not counted as transition elements, making
such elements exceptional. Zn, Cd, and Hg are a few examples.
14. Nitrogen has positive electron gain enthalpy whereas oxygen has negative. However,
oxygen has lower ionisation enthalpy than nitrogen. Explain.
The outermost electronic configuration of nitrogen is 2s2 2px1, 2py1, 2pz1 whereas that of oxygen
is 2s2 2px2, 2py1, 2pz1.
Since oxygen acquires a stable configuration, i.e., 2p3, by removing one electron from the 2p-
orbital, it has a lower ionisation enthalpy than nitrogen. In the case of nitrogen, however, due to
its stable configuration, it is difficult to remove one of the three 2p-electrons.
15. First member of each group of representative elements (i.e., s and p-block elements)
shows anomalous behaviour. Illustrate with two examples.
The first member of each group of representative elements (i.e., the s- and p- block elements)
exhibits anomalous behaviour due to:
(i) small size
(ii) higher ionisation enthalpy

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(iii) higher electronegativity
(iv) the absence of d- orbitals.
For example, in s – block elements, lithium behaves differently than the other alkali metals.
(a) Lithium compounds have a high covalent character. Alkali metal compounds are
predominantly ionic.
(b) Lithium nitride is formed when lithium reacts with nitrogen, whereas other alkali metals do
not form nitrides.

Order based questions

1. Arrange in the increasing order, the ionisation enthalpy of second period elements
Li < B < Be < C < O < N < F < Ne
2. Among the elements B, Al, C and Si,
(i) which element has the highest first ionisation enthalpy?
(ii) which element has the most metallic character? Justify your answer in each case.
Among the elements, B, Al, C and Si
(i) The element that has the highest first ionisation enthalpy is C.
(ii) The element that has the most metallic character is Al.
3. Arrange the elements N, P, O and S in the order of-
(i) increasing first ionisation enthalpy.
(i) increasing non-metallic character.
Give reason for the arrangement assigned.
(i) Due to the extra stable exactly half-filled 2p-orbitals, the ionisation enthalpy of nitrogen
(1s2,2s2,2p3) is greater than that of oxygen (1s2,2s2,2p4). Likewise, the ionisation enthalpy of
phosphorous (1s2,2s2,2p6,3s2,3p3) is greater than that of sulphur (s2,2s2,2p6,3s2,3p3)
Ionisation enthalpy decreases with decreasing atomic size as one moves down the group.
As a result, the increasing order of first ionisation enthalpy is S < P < O < N
(ii) Nonmetallic character increases across a period (left to right), but decreases as one moves
down the group.
As a result, the increasing non-metallic order is P < S < N < O.
4. compare the trend in ionisation enthalpy of the elements of group 1 ,and those of group 17 elements.
(i) Group-I (alkali metals)
Li<Na<K<Rb<Cs<Fr
(ii) Group 17 (halogens)
F<Cl<Br<I
5. Consider the isoelectronic species, Na+, Mg2+, F– and O2-.Arrange them in the correct order
of increasing length of their radii.
Mg2+ < Na+ < F– < O2-
6. Arrange the following as stated:
(i) N2, O2, F2, Cl2(Increasing order of bond dissociation energy)
(ii) F, Cl, Br, I (Increasing order of electron gain enthalpy)
(iii) F2, N2, Cl2, O2(Increasing order of bond length).
(i) F2 < Cl2 < O2 < N2
(ii) I < Br < F < Cl (iii) N2 < O2 < F2 < Cl2
7. The first ionisation enthalpies of Na, Mg, Al and Si are in the order:
Na < Mg > Al < Si

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8. Considering the elements F, Cl, O and N, arrange them in the decreasing order of their
chemical reactivity in terms of oxidising property.
F > O > Cl > N
Within a period, the oxidising character increases from left to right. Therefore, among F, O and
N, oxidising power decreases in the order: F > O > N. However, within a group, oxidising power
decreases from top to bottom. Thus, F is a stronger oxidising agent than Cl. Further because O is
more electronegative than Cl, therefore, O is a stronger oxidising agent than Cl.
9. Considering the elements B, C, N, F and Si, arrange them in the decreasing order of their
non-metallic character.
F>N>C>B>Si
In a period, the non-metallic character increases from left to right. Thus, among B, C, N and F,
non-metallic character decreases in the order: F > N > C > B. However, within a group, non-
metallic character decreases from top to bottom. Thus, C is more non-metallic than Si. Therefore,
the correct sequence of decreasing non-metallic characters is: F > N > C > B > Si
10. Arrange I–, I, I+ in the decreasing order of their size.
I– > I > I+

Definition based questions

1. Define electron gain enthalpy. What are its units? Discuss the factors which influence the
electron gain enthalpy.
Answer: Electron gain enthalpy is the energy released when an isolated gaseous atom is
converted into a negative ion by adding an extra electron.
Electron gain enthalpy is denoted by the sign∆egH. The process may be represented by
M(g) + e– ———————>M– (g)
neutral gaseous atom anion
∆ H=∆eg H
electron gain enthalpy is negative or positive it depends upon the nature of the element. For
example. For halogens it is highly negative, because they can acquire the noble gas configuration
by accepting an extra electron.
In contrast. For noble gases have positive electron gain enthalpy because energy has to be
supplied to the element.
Factors on which electron gain enthalpy depends:

1. Atomic size. As the size of an atom increases, the distance between its nucleus and the
incoming electron also increases. Therefore, the force of attraction between the nucleus
and the incoming electron decreases and hence the electron gain enthalpy becomes less
negative.
2. Nuclear charge. As the nuclear charge increases force of attraction for the incoming
electron increases and thus electron gain enthalpy becomes more negative.
3. Symmetry of electronic configuration. Elements having symmetrical configuration
(Either half filled or fully filled orbitals in the same sub shell) having no attraction for
electron because by accepting electron their configuration becomes less stable. In that
case energy has to be supplied to accept electron. Thus electron gain enthalpy will be
positive.

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2. Discuss the factors that influence the magnitude of ionization enthalpy. What are the
general trends of variation of ionization enthalpy in the periodic table? Explain.
Factors affecting Ionization enthalpy.
1. Atomic size. With the increase in atomic size, the number of electron shells increases and
thus the force of attraction between the electrons and the nucleus decreases. Therefore the
ionization enthalpy decreases.
2. Nuclear charge. As the nuclear charge increases the attraction for the electron also
increases that’s why ionization enthalpy increases.
3. Screening or shielding effect. In a multi-electron atom, the electron present in the inner
Shells shield the electrons in the valence shell as a result these electrons
experience less attraction from the nucleus. This leads to lesser ionization enthalpy.
Variation along a period. On moving from left to right in a period the nuclear charge increases
and the atomic size decreases as a result ionization enthalpies are expected to increase.
Variation within a group. On moving down the group as the atomic size of the elements
increases that’s why ionization enthalpy decreases down the group.
3. How does atomic radius vary in group in the periodic table?
On moving down the group there is an increase in the principal quantum number and therefore
no. of electron shells increases and thus the atomic size increases. Thus the atomic radii of the
element increases.
4. What is screening or shielding effect? How does it influence the ionization enthalpy ?
In a multielectron atom, the electrons present in the inner shells shield the electrons in the
valence shell from the attraction of the nucleus or they act as a screen between the nucleus and
these electrons. This is known as shedding effect or screening effect. As the screening effect
increases, the effective nuclear charge decreases. Consequently, the force of attraction by the
nucleus for the valence shell electrons decreases and hence the ionization enthalpy decreases.
5. Assign the position of the element having outer electronic configuration,
(i) ns2 np4 for n = 3 (ii) (n – 1) d2 ns2 for n = 4 and (iii) (n – 2) f7 (n – 1) d1 ns2 for n = 6 in the
periodic table?
(i) n = 3
The element belong to 3rd period, p-block element.
Since the valence shell contains = 6 electrons, group No = 10 + 6 = 16 configuration
=1s2 2s2 2p6 3s23p4 element name is sulphur.
(ii) n = 4
Means element belongs to 4th period , group 4 as in the valence shell (2 + 2) = 4 electrons.
Electronic configuration.=1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d2 4s2, and the element name is Titanium (Ti).
(iii) n = 6
Means the element belongs to 6th period. Last electron goes to the f-orbital, element is from f-
block.
group = 3
The element is gadolinium (z = 64)
Complete electronic configuration =[Xe] 4 f7 5d1 6s2.
6. 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)

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(f) the metal which can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X
= halogen)?

(a) The element V has highest first ionization enthalpy (∆ iH1) and positive electron gain
enthalpy (∆egH) and hence it is the least reactive element. Since inert gases have positive∆egH,
therefore, the element-V must be an inert gas. The values of ∆ i H1, ∆ iH2 and ∆egHmatch that of
He.
(b) The element II which has the least first ionization enthalpy (∆ i H1) and a low negative
electron gain enthalpy (∆egH) is the most reactive metal. The values of ∆ i H1, ∆ iH2 and ∆egH
match that of K (potassium).
(c) The element III which has high first ionization enthalpy (∆ iH1) and a very high negative
electron gain enthalpy (∆egH) is the most reactive non-metal. The values of ∆ i H1, ∆ iH2 and ∆egH
match that of F (fluorine).
(d) The element IV has a high negative electron gain enthalpy (∆egH ) but not so high first
ionization enthalpy (∆egH). Therefore, it is the least reactive non-metal. The values
of ∆ i H1, ∆ iH2 and ∆egH match that of I (Iodine).
(e) The element VI has low first ionization enthalpy (∆ iH1) but higher than that of alkali metals.
Therefore, it appears that the element is an alkaline earth metal and hence will form binary halide
of the formula MX2(where X = halogen). The values of ∆ i H1, ∆ iH2 and ∆egH match that of Mg
(magnesium).
(f) The element I has low first ionization (∆ iH1) but a very high second ionization enthalpy
(∆ iH2), therefore, it must be an alkali metal. Since the metal forms a predominarly stable
covalent halide of the formula MX (X = halogen), therefore, the alkali metal must be least
reactive. The values of ∆ i H1, ∆ iH2 and ∆egH match that of Li (lithium).

7. What are isoelectronic species? Give examples.

Isoelectronic species are atoms and ions that have the same number of electrons.Because of
different nuclear charges, the radii of isoelectronic species would differ.
Example: Ar, K+, Ca2+, P3-, S2-, Cl-
Ne, Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, O2-, F-

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