Question

Molecular chlorine, Cl2, has a smaller ionization energy than atomic chlorine, Cl (IE = 1108 kJ mol-1 for Cl2 and 1256 kJ mol-1 for Cl). Which is/are the best explanation for this difference?
a)Cl has a higher electron affinity while Cl2 does not.
b)Cl2 is diamagnetic while Cl is paramagnetic.
c)The electron ionized from Cl2 comes from an orbital that has antibonding character.
d)The electron ionized from Cl2 comes from an orbital that has higher energy.

Answer 1

Answer: c) The electron ionized from Cl2 comes from an orbital that has antibonding character.

AND

d) The electron ionized from Cl2 comes from an orbital that has higher energy.