Boron has lower than Be. This is because:

Question

Boron has lower  than Be. This is because:

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

Strategy:
 Compare the subshells from which electrons are removed. Consider orbital penetration and shielding.

Step 1: Configurations
- Beryllium (): .
- Boron (): .

Step 2: Analyze orbits
- Penetration: -orbitals penetrate closer to the nucleus than -orbitals. The valence  electrons of Be are more strongly attracted and less shielded than the  electron of Boron.
- Shielding: Boron's  electron is shielded by both the  and  electrons.
Thus, removing Boron's  electron is easier.

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