JEE MainChemistryd and f Block Elements
Consider the following statements regarding the ionization enthalpies of Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn): Statement I: The first ionization enthalpy of Cu is lower than that of Zn. Statement II: The second ionization enthalpy of Cu is higher than that of Zn. Statement III: The third ionization enthalpy of Cu is lower than that of Zn. Identify the correct statements from the options given below:
Options
- AStatements I and II only
- BStatements I, II and III
- CStatements I and III only
- DStatements II and III only
Correct answer
B. Statements I, II and III
Step-by-step solution
Statement I: The electronic configuration of Cu is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s^1 and that of Zn is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s^2 . The first electron in Cu is removed from the 4s^1 subshell, whereas in Zn it is removed from a stable, fully-filled 4s^2 subshell. Thus, the first ionization enthalpy ( IE₁ ) of Cu is lower than that of Zn. Statement I is correct. Statement II: After the first ionization, Cu^+ has a highly stable fully-filled [Ar] 3d¹⁰ configuration, while Zn^+ has the configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s^1 . Removing an electron from the sta