Exams › JEE Advanced › Chemistry
Correct answer: P -> 4; Q -> 3; R -> 2; S -> 1
Nitrogen has a half-filled 2p³ configuration (extra stability) giving it a higher IE1 (~1402 kJ/mol, matched to 1400). Oxygen has IE1 ~1314 kJ/mol (matched to 1300) — lower than N because one electron must be paired in 2p, increasing repulsion. Beryllium has IE1 ~899 kJ/mol (matched to 900) due to its stable full 2s² subshell. Boron has the lowest IE1 here (~800 kJ/mol) because it loses a 2p electron, which is shielded by the 2s electrons.