question_answer

Although first ionisation potential of boron \[(8.3\,\,eV)\] is less than that of gold\[(9.22\,\,eV)\]  yet the former is a non-metal while the latter is a metal. Explain.

Answer:

                This is because of the difference in the crystal structures of these elements. Co-ordination number of gold (12) is very high as compared to that of boron (6 or even less). Since metals have generally high co-ordination numbers while non-metals have smaller value, gold is a metal despite its higher ionisation potential compared to boron.