Given below are two statements: Statement I: The first electron gain enthalpy of oxygen is negative, while its second electron gain enthalpy is positive. Statement II: The first electron gain enthalpy of oxygen is less negative than that of sulphur due to high interelectronic repulsion in its compact 2p subshell. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is true. The addition of the first electron to a neutral oxygen atom is an exothermic process, resulting in a negative first electron gain enthalpy. However, adding a second electron to the negatively charged O⁻ ion is strongly opposed by electrostatic repulsion. Energy must be supplied to overcome this repulsion, making the second electron gain enthalpy positive. Statement II is true. Oxygen has a smaller atomic size compared to sulphur. The added electron in oxygen goes into the compact 2p subshell, w