Gadolinium has a low value of third ionisation enthalpy because of
- small size
- high exchange enthalpy
- high electronegativity
- high basic character
Answer
(2) high exchange enthalpy
Solution
Gd (Z = 64): [Xe] 4f7 5d1 6s2
⇒ Gd2+: [Xe] 4f7 5d1 ; removal of the third electron (the 5d electron) gives Gd3+: [Xe] 4f7
∵ The half-filled 4f7 configuration has the maximum number of parallel spins and hence high exchange enthalpy (extra stability).
As per NCERT, the abnormally low third ionisation enthalpies of La, Gd and Lu are due to the extra stability of empty, half-filled and completely filled f-levels.
∴ Gd has a low third ionisation enthalpy because of high exchange enthalpy.
Answer: (2)