Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 5 - Electron Configurations and the Periodic Table - Questions for Review and Thought - Topical Questions - Page 240c: 79d

Answer

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Work Step by Step

This is an exception to the ionization energy trend. After all, Oxygen has a paired valence electron while Nitrogen does not. Since it is not favorable to be paired, this means that it is easier to get the last valence electron off of Oxygen, causing the first ionization energy to be lower.
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