[Atomic numbers: Li = 3; Be = 4; Na = 11]
A Be, Li, Na
B Na, Be, Li
C Be, Na, Li
D Li, Be, Na
E Li, Na, Be
An IMAT answer key pointed out that the correct answer for this question was A (Be, Li, Na)… but doesn’t Beryllium have a higher ionization energy than lithium??
Hi,
Answer A) is correct, it’s an exception to the periodic table trends
hi you are correct the ionization of Be is greater than Li ,and Li is greater than Na. when question say ( in order of DECREASING first ionization
energies?) you start from greatest to smallest IE . and just for the sake of it if it asks of INCREASING IE you start from the smallest to greatest.
hi exceptions for ionization energy is only between G2>G3 and G5>G6.