Chemistry

Question Analysis
This question assesses the ability to predict the first ionization energy based on the position of elements in the periodic table.

Key Concept Explanation
First ionization energy generally increases across a period from left to right due to the increasing nuclear charge and decreasing atomic radius, which strengthen the attraction for valence electrons.

Step-by-step Solution
1. Identify the elements given in the options: Lithium (Li), Beryllium (Be), Boron (B), and Carbon (C).
2. Consider the positions of these elements in the periodic table:
Li: Group 1, Period 2
Be: Group 2, Period 2
B: Group 13, Period 2
C: Group 14, Period 2
3. Moving from left to r...