The first (∆iH1) and the second(∆iH2) ionization enthalpies (in kJ mol–1) and the electron gain enthalpy (in kJ mol–1) of a few elements are given below:


Which of the above elements is likely to be?


A. the least reactive element.


B. the most reactive metal.


C. the most reactive non-metal.


D. the least reactive non-metal.


E. the metal which can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2(X=halogen).


F. the metal which can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X=halogen)?

(A.) Element V is likely to be the least reactive element. This is because it has the highest first ionization enthalpy (∆H1) and a positive electron gain enthalpy (∆egH).

(B.) Element II is likely to be the most reactive metal as it has the lowest first ionization enthalpy (∆H1) and a low negative electron gain enthalpy (∆egH).


(C.) Element III is likely to be the most reactive non–metal as it has a high first ionization enthalpy (∆H1) and the highest negative electron gain enthalpy (∆egH).


(D.) Element V is likely to be the least reactive non–metal since it has a very high first ionization enthalpy (∆H2) and a positive electron gain enthalpy (∆egH).


(E.) Element VI has a low negative electron gain enthalpy (∆egH). Thus, it is a metal. Further, it has the lowest second ionization enthalpy (∆H2). Hence, it can form a stable binary halide of the formula MX2(X=halogen).


(F.) Element I have low first ionization energy and high second ionization energy. Therefore, it can form a predominantly stable covalent halide of the formula MX (X=halogen).


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