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Questions and Answers
What explains the higher first ionization energy of sulfur compared to phosphorus?
What explains the higher first ionization energy of sulfur compared to phosphorus?
From which orbital is the first valence electron removed in the sulfur atom?
From which orbital is the first valence electron removed in the sulfur atom?
Why is a half-filled 3p orbital more stable than a partially filled 3p orbital in phosphorus?
Why is a half-filled 3p orbital more stable than a partially filled 3p orbital in phosphorus?
What is the primary reason more energy is needed to remove the first electron from sulfur compared to phosphorus?
What is the primary reason more energy is needed to remove the first electron from sulfur compared to phosphorus?
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Which statement about the ionization energies of sulfur and phosphorus is accurate?
Which statement about the ionization energies of sulfur and phosphorus is accurate?
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Study Notes
Ionization Energies of Sulfur and Phosphorus
- Sulfur (S) has a higher first ionization energy compared to phosphorus (P).
- The difference in ionization energy can be attributed to the stability of electron configurations.
- The first valence electron from sulfur is extracted from a half-filled 3p orbital.
- In contrast, the first valence electron from phosphorus is removed from a partially filled 3p orbital.
- A half-filled orbital, such as that of sulfur, exhibits greater stability due to electron pairing effects and symmetry.
- This enhanced stability of sulfur's half-filled 3p orbital necessitates greater energy to remove its first valence electron.
- Consequently, removing an electron from sulfur requires more energy than from phosphorus due to these stability differences.
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Description
This quiz explores the differences in first ionization energies between sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) atoms. It examines how the stability of half-filled orbitals affects the ionization process, highlighting why S has a higher ionization energy compared to P. Test your understanding of atomic structure and ionization processes!
