A-LevelChemistryAtomic structureOct/Nov 2023Paper 1 Q21 Mark

The second ionisation energy of oxygen is greater than the second ionisation energy of fluorine. Which factor explains this difference?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Atomic structure in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

AThe atomic radius of an oxygen atom is smaller than that of fluorine.

BThe covalent bond in a fluorine molecule is weaker than the bond in an oxygen molecule.

Cspin-paired electron is removed from fluorine but not from oxygen.

DFluorine has more electrons in total than oxygen. This causes a greater shielding of the nuclear attraction in fluorine.

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: spin-paired electron is removed from fluorine but not from oxygen.

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Atomic structure in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2023 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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