Question

How is unpaired electrons related to th enthalpy of atomization??...its confusing..:((((

Answer 1

Unpaired electrons increase the enthalpy of atomization. The higher the enthalpy of atomization, the more energy it takes to break apart and separate the atoms of a given substance. Why is this more difficult to separate atoms with unpaired electrons? When partly empty electon shells overlap the result leads to very strong bonds of covalent or metallic type. These bonds can occur between atoms of the same type, for example H2, diamond, copper. The interatomic forces are brought about by sharing the electons in the partly-filled/partly-empty electon outer electron shells. These electrons are often referred to as the valence electons. Metals with a greater number of unpaired electrons have a greater number of attractive interactions, resulting in more difficulty in atomizing them i.e., a greater enthalpy of atomization.