Among the followingstatements identify correct set of statements (a) size of Be is smaller than Mg (b) Ionisation energy of Be is greater than Al (c) Both Be and Al form covalent compounds readily (d) Both Be & Al does not react with nitrogen

Options

A. a,b,c
B. a,c,d
C. b,c,d
D. a,b,d

Answer

To solve the question, we need to evaluate each of the given statements about Beryllium (Be) and Aluminum (Al) and determine which are correct.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement (a): Size of Be is smaller than Mg.**
- Beryllium (Be) is in Group 2 of the periodic table, and Magnesium (Mg) is directly below it in the same group. As we move down a group, the atomic size increases due to the addition of electron shells. Therefore, the size of Be is indeed smaller than that of Mg.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

2. **Statement (b): Ionization energy of Be is greater than Al.**
- Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom. Beryllium has an electronic configuration of 1s² 2s², which is stable and fully filled. Aluminum has an electronic configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p¹. When Aluminum loses one electron, it achieves a stable noble gas configuration (1s² 2s² 2p⁶). Since Beryllium is already stable, it requires more energy to remove an electron compared to Aluminum.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

3. **Statement (c): Both Be and Al form covalent compounds readily.**
- Beryllium tends to form covalent compounds due to its small size and high charge density, which allows it to polarize anions effectively. Aluminum also forms covalent compounds, but to a lesser extent than Beryllium. The diagonal relationship between Be and Al indicates that they exhibit similar properties, including the ability to form covalent compounds.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

4. **Statement (d): Both Be & Al do not react with nitrogen.**
- This statement is incorrect. Both Beryllium and Aluminum do react with nitrogen to form their respective nitrides (Be₃N₂ and AlN). Therefore, this statement is false.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **incorrect**.

### Final Evaluation:
The correct set of statements is (a), (b), and (c). Therefore, the answer is option number 1.