Explain, in no more than two sentences, why the first ionization energy of oxygen is…

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · AP · Chemistry · Atomic Structure and Properties · Atomic Structure and Properties

Problem

Explain, in no more than two sentences, why the first ionization energy of oxygen is lower than that of nitrogen even though oxygen has a greater nuclear charge.

Related theory

Ionisation enthalpy
Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
Ionisation potential
Periodic Trends in Physical Properties

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