Ionization Energy for Be vs B

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Angel Shen 1E
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:34 am

Ionization Energy for Be vs B

Postby Angel Shen 1E » Tue Nov 05, 2024 11:42 pm

Why does boron (B) have a lower first ionization energy than beryllium (Be), even though it has a higher atomic number? What causes this exception in the trend of increasing ionization energy across a period? And do other elements within the same group also fall under this exception?

Siya Bhardwaj 1C
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Sep 27, 2024 6:17 am

Re: Ionization Energy for Be vs B

Postby Siya Bhardwaj 1C » Tue Nov 05, 2024 11:46 pm

In boron, the outer electron is in the 2p orbital while beryllium's outer electron is in the 2s orbital. The 2s orbital is more stable and lower energy than the 2p orbital, so it's energetically favorable for boron to lose its only 2p electron.


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