The table below lists the first–ionization energies, I1, for the elements in Period 2 of the periodic table.
Element
Li
Be
B
C
N
O
F
Ne
I1 (kJ mol−1)
520
900
800
1090
1400
1310
1680
2080
Use the data to analyze the trend in I1 across the period.
a. Identify the pair of adjacent elements that deviates most noticeably from the general increase in I1 across Period 2.
b. Provide a detailed explanation, at the atomic–level, for why the element you identified has a lower I1 than its immediate predecessor. In your explanation, address electron configuration, subshell occupation, and any relevant inter-electronic interactions.