Atomic structure
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Is the atom of nitrogen more stable than that of oxygen, and if so, why?
Is nitrogen more stable because it has a half full sub-shell? What is the theory behind this fact?
Igloo writes
Stability is concerned with the breakdown of a species into smaller units, and an atom by definition cannot be broken down, so the “stability of a nitrogen atom” is a meaningless phrase in this context. If, on the other hand, you are thinking of a molecule of nitrogen, then this of course can be broken down into two atoms, so the concept of stability is relevant. The molecule of nitrogen is more stable than that of oxygen since there is a strong triple bond between the atoms, as opposed to a relatively weak double bond. Enthalpy changes of atomisation will confirm this fact. Nitrogen’s half-filled p-subshells have no relevance in this matter.
If by stability you are thinking of reactivity – which is a different concept altogether – then the nitrogen atom is less reactive than that of oxygen. Reference to the relevant electron affinities, amongst other properties, easily explain this fact.
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updated: 06 December 2006
