Question

Select the element with the lowest ionization potential.

• A. $N$
• B. $O$
• C. $F$
• D. $Ne$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $O$

Ionization potential increases from left to right in a period and inert gas has the maximum value.

But, the electronic configuration of nitrogen is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^3$ which contains half-filled p-orbital in the valence shell by which it gets extra stability.

So, while comparing oxygen and nitrogen, ionization potential for nitrogen will be more than oxygen.