Why is the first ionization enthalpy of Nitrogen ($N$) higher than that of Oxygen ($O$)?
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Question

Why is the first ionization enthalpy of Nitrogen ($N$) higher than that of Oxygen ($O$)?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen has electronic configuration $1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$ with half-filled p-orbitals which offer extra stability, making electron removal harder compared to oxygen ($2p^4$).

Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

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