Question

Which one of the following statements is correct?

• A. Ionic radius of $\text{F}{\text{e}}^{\text{3+}}$ is greater than $\text{F}{\text{e}}^{\text{2+}}$
• B. Atomic radius of chlorine atom is greater than the ionic radius of chloride ion
• C. Electron affinity of phosphorus is greater than nitrogen
• D. $\text{C}{\text{s}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ is strongly acidic in nature

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

${}_{7}N=1s^2,2s^2,2p^3$ ${}_{15}P=1s^2,2s^2,2p^6,3s^2,3p^3,3d^0$ In P, vacant d-orbitals are present. In the excited state, one electron from 3s-orbital jumps into 3d-orbital. Therefore, its electron affinity is high. On the other hand, the p-orbital is of N is half-filled, therefore it behaves like inert. Hence, its electron affinity is negligible.