The stability of Cu2+ is more than Cu+ salts in aqueous solution due to -
- enthalpy of atomization.
- hydration energy.
- second ionisation enthalpy.
- first ionisation enthalpy.
Answer
(2) hydration energy.
Solution
Formation of Cu2+ needs the extra second ionisation enthalpy of copper.
But Cu2+ is smaller and more highly charged than Cu+, so its hydration enthalpy ( hydH) is much more negative, which more than compensates for the second ionisation enthalpy.
Cu2+(aq) is more stable than Cu+(aq), and Cu+ disproportionates: 2Cu+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + Cu(s).
Answer: (2)