Arrange the elements N, P, O and S in the order of

(i) increasing first ionisation enthalpy.

(ii) increasing non-metallic character.

Give reason for the arrangement assigned.


The placing of elements are as

Period

Group 15

Group 16

2nd period

N

O

3rd period

P

S

(i) Ionisation enthalpy of nitrogen (N7=1s2, 2s2, 2p3) is greater than oxygen (O8=1s2, 2s2, 2p4) due to extra stable exactly half-filled 2p-orbitals. Similarly, ionisation enthalpy of phosphorus (P15=1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p3) is greater than sulphur (S16=1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p4).

On moving down the group, ionisation enthalpy decreases with increasing atomic size. So, the order is

S<P<O<NFirst ionisation enthalpy increases

(ii) Non-metallic character across a period (left to right) increases but on moving down the group it decreases. So, the order is

P<S<N<ONon-metallic character increases