MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #812

Oxygen has a lower first ionization energy than nitrogen. What causes this deviation?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #812

  1. Question 1

    Q1. Oxygen has a lower first ionization energy than nitrogen. What causes this deviation?

    • A) Electron-electron repulsion in p⁴ configuration
    • B) Smaller atomic radius
    • C) Greater nuclear charge
    • D) Higher electron affinity

    Answer: Electron-electron repulsion in p⁴ configuration

    Explanation: Oxygen's p⁴ configuration causes repulsion, making removal easier. B and C falsely correlate trends.