Question 21

Would you expect the second electron gain enthalpy of O as positive, more negative or less negative than the first? Justify your answer.

Answer

Oxygen belongs to group 16 of p block elements. It is the first member of group 16. It is a non metal and most abundant in earth crust(47%). When an electron is added to O atom to form O- ion, energy is released. Thus, the first electron gain enthalpy of O is negative.

enthalpy of O is negative

On the other hand, when an electron is added to O- ion to form O2- ion (superoxide ion), energy has to be given out in order to overcome the strong electronic repulsions between O- and e-. Thus, the second electron gain enthalpy of O is positive.

enthalpy of O is positive

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