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A-LevelChemistryAtomic structure9701/12 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q21 Mark

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

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

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

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About this question

Topic
Atomic structure, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Multiple choice, 1 mark.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2023 Paper 1 Variant 2, question 2.

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