GCSE Chemistry Question Analysis Topic: Chemistry - Metals
Exam Question:
Iron has higher enthalpy of atomization that that of copper. Give reasons.
Answer:
For GCSE Chemistry, you should know:
Compared to copper, iron has a higher enthalpy of atomization. The quantity of unpaired electrons affects the enthalpy of atomization. The strength of the metallic bonds and, consequently, the enthalpy of atomization, increase with the amount of unpaired electrons. Iron has four unpaired electrons and an outer electronic configuration of 3d64s2.
The outer electronic configuration of copper is 3d104s1 and 1 unpaired electron. Compared to copper, iron contains more unpaired electrons. As a result, compared to copper, iron has a higher enthalpy of atomization.
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