Question Detail
Question
What explains the higher ionization energy of nitrogen compared to oxygen?
Correct Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Nitrogen has an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p³. The p-orbitals are exactly half-filled, which is a particularly stable configuration. Removing an electron from this stable arrangement requires more energy than removing one from oxygen, which has a 2p⁴ configuration where an electron is paired and easier to remove.
Hint
Consider the electron configuration and the special stability of half-filled subshells.