Question R4 Q11 - MIT Science Bowl 2024

Which of the following best justifies the difference in the first ionization energies of beryllium and boron?

W) Beryllium has a lower first ionization energy than boron because the half-filled 2s orbital is very stable

X) Beryllium has a lower first ionization energy than boron because 2s electrons are lower in energy than 2p electrons

Y) Boron has a lower first ionization energy than beryllium because the half-filled 2p orbital is very stable

Z) Boron has a lower first ionization energy than beryllium because 2s electrons are lower in energy than 2p electrons

Science Bowl Question