Chemistry Hesi A2 Related

Review Chemistry Hesi A2 related questions and content

Why does fluorine have a higher ionization energy than oxygen?

  • A. Fluorine has a smaller number of neutrons.
  • B. Fluorine has a larger number of neutrons.
  • C. Fluorine has a smaller nuclear charge.
  • D. Fluorine has a larger nuclear charge.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Fluorine has a higher ionization energy than oxygen because fluorine has a larger nuclear charge. The greater number of protons in the nucleus of fluorine attracts its electrons more strongly, making it harder to remove an electron from a fluorine atom compared to an oxygen atom. Choice A is incorrect as the number of neutrons does not directly affect ionization energy. Choice B is also incorrect for the same reason. Choice C is incorrect because a smaller nuclear charge would result in lower ionization energy, not higher.