Q.

Arrange the following elements in increasing order of first ionisation enthalpy: Li, Be, B, C, N
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:                                                             [2024]

1 Li < Be < B < C < N  
2 Li < B < Be < C < N  
3 Li < Be < C < B < N  
4 Li < Be < N < B < C  

Ans.

(2)

Ionisation enthalpy increases left to right in a period but Be (1s22s2) has higher I.E. than B due to fully filled orbitals. Hence, the correct order is

Li<B<Be<C<N