Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R . Assertion A : Beryllium has less negative value of reduction potential compared to the other alkaline earth metals Reason R : Beryllium has large hydration energy due to small size of Be 2 + but relatively large value of atomisation enthalpy. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer f

Step-by-step solution

Beryllium has the smallest atomic size amongst the alkaline earth metals. The loss of electrons or oxidation is difficult. Beryllium has the least oxidation potential. As Beryllium has the least oxidation potential, it has the highest reduction potential(Less negative value of reduction potential). However, it's reducing nature is due to large hydration energy associated with the small size of Be 2 + ion and relatively large value of the atomisation enthalpy of metal.