The ionization energy of boron is less than that of beryllium because :
- Aberyllium has a higher nuclear charge than boron
- Bberyllium has a lower nuclear charge than boron
- Cthe outermost electron in boron occupies a 2p-orbital
- Dthe 2s and 2p-orbitals of boron are degenerate
✓ Correct answer: C
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