JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pt141
Among Li, Be, B and C, the element whose first electron gain enthalpy is positive is
AB
BBe
CC
DLi
Answer: B
Li (−60), B (−27) and C (−122kJmol−1) release energy. Be has a filled 2s2 subshell, so the added electron must enter the higher energy 2p orbital, and the value is positive (about +48).