Chapter 9, Problem 91CP

A flask containing gaseous N2 is irradiated with 25-nm light.

a. Using the following information, indicate what species can form in the flask during irradiation.

$\begin{array}{cc}N2\left(g\right)\to 2N\left(g\right)& \Delta E=941kJ/mol\\ N2\left(g\right)\to N_2{}^{+}\left(g\right)+e^{-}& \Delta E=1501kJ/mol\\ N\left(g\right)\to N^{+}\left(g\right)+e^{-}& \Delta E=1402kJ/mol\end{array}$

b. What range of wavelengths will produce atomic nitrogen in the flask but will not produce any ions?

c. Explain why the first ionization energy of N2 (1501 kJ/mol) is greater than the first ionization energy of atomic nitrogen (1402 kJ/mol).